Seattle, WA — In a display of unwavering commitment to sovereignty abroad while maintaining flexible standards at home, participants from last year’s nationwide “No Kings” protests reconvened this weekend to call for the immediate restoration of Nicolás Maduro as Venezuela’s leader.

Chanting familiar slogans like “No Blood for Oil” and “Hands Off Venezuela,” demonstrators gathered in cities across the U.S., many wielding signs recycled from rallies decrying domestic authoritarianism. One prominent banner in Seattle read “Free President Maduro,” prompting onlookers to note the subtle evolution from opposing monarchical tendencies to advocating for the reinstatement of a president widely accused of election theft, human rights abuses, and narco-trafficking.

Organizers, including groups affiliated with the 50501 movement—known for its “No Kings” branding against perceived executive overreach—framed the U.S. operation that removed Maduro as an unconstitutional act of imperialism. “This is exactly what we marched against: unchecked power grabs without congressional approval,” said one protester in Kansas City, speaking at a site previously used for anti-Trump rallies. “We stand against kings everywhere—except, apparently, when they’re inconveniently deposed.”

Critics pointed out the irony, with social media users highlighting how the same activists who decried “fascism” in Washington now rallied behind a regime that suppressed dissent, rigged votes, and presided over economic collapse. “No kings, but yes to lifelong presidents?” quipped one observer. “Consistency is the hobgoblin of small minds, I suppose.”

In Miami, where Venezuelan expatriates celebrated Maduro’s ouster with guarded optimism, counter-protesters emphasized distractions from domestic scandals. Nationwide turnout remained modest, with estimates in the hundreds per city, as many former “No Kings” enthusiasts reportedly stayed home, citing confusion over the sudden pivot to defending foreign autocrats.

As Maduro awaits trial in New York on federal charges, his supporters vowed continued action. “We’ll keep protesting until sovereignty is respected,” declared a spokesperson. When asked if that included respecting Venezuela’s 2024 election results—independently verified as a landslide opposition victory—the spokesperson declined to comment, citing the need to focus on “U.S. aggression.”

Political analysts described the events as a masterclass in principled anti-interventionism, noting that true consistency might require opposing all dictators equally, but acknowledged that such rigor could complicate coalition-building.

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