California Gov. Gavin Newsom is declaring what he called “a declaration of independence” from the administration of President Donald Trump ahead of the upcoming “No Kings” protests planned for the weekend.

In a video statement posted online, Newsom encouraged demonstrators to participate peacefully while framing the protests as a symbolic act against what he described as “tyranny” and “lawlessness.”

“No kings. A declaration of independence against the tyranny, against lawlessness in the context that there was no rule of law,” Newsom said. “It was the rule of king. And I think increasingly people are waking up to the rule of law in this country increasingly appearing to be the rule of ‘Don.’”

The governor’s remarks appeared to link Trump’s leadership to authoritarianism, saying Americans should reflect on the principles of the nation’s founders.

“I hope it’s dawning on people how precious this moment is and what’s at stake,” he added. “And so I hope people put a stake in the ground, take the opportunity and time to participate this weekend, but again do so peacefully with a deep realization of the consequences and what the founding fathers were all about.”

The “No Kings” demonstrations are expected to draw participants in several cities across California, with organizers describing the events as a call to defend democratic institutions. Trump supporters, meanwhile, have accused Newsom and other Democrats of inflaming divisions and politicizing the protests for partisan purposes.

As tensions continue to build between state and federal leaders, Newsom’s remarks mark one of his most direct rhetorical challenges yet to the Trump administration.

This week, Newsom signed legislation creating a new state agency to oversee programs for descendants of enslaved Americans, advancing his long-running push for reparations