"Down with Kings"-Protests: Tinseltown Speaks Out Against President Trump
Star-Studded Demonstrations Arise in Tinseltown Over Policies by President Trump - Hollywood voices loud protests against administration of President Trump
Hey there! Here's a low-down on those Hollywood folks getting all riled up against our President Trump. Remember, this is unfiltered and uncensored, straight from the streets. 😏
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While Trump and his cronies were celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and Trump's 79th birthday in Washington D.C. last Saturday, thousands of folks all across the nation were taking to the streets. From Los Angeles to NYC and San Francisco, these protesters marched under the slogan "Down with Kings," expressing their disdain for Trump's autocratic leadership style, the slow unraveling of democracy, and their conviction that the United States does not need another king.
Straight Up Talk from Ruffalo, Kimmel, and Co.
Among the protesters were a bunch of celebs who spoke their minds on social media and in interviews. Mark Ruffalo (57) hit the stage at a rally in NYC with MSNBC. "Our democracy's in deep shit," said the actor. "We got a president who's turned himself into a goddamn king and dictator, while the opposition's weak as piss. Our rights, our Constitution's being stomped every day thanks to executive orders and screwing with court decisions - I mean, we witnessing shitstorms of immigration enforcement, families torn apart! It's freakin' scary, and the only way to stop this is for the people to stand together."
Jimmy Kimmel (57) took part in a protest in South Bay, California, along with his parents. He wrote on Instagram, "Huuuge, inspired, and yeah – freakin' peaceful – crowd. Cooled with a ton of peeps who love this country and believe in its power for good. I'm grateful that so many Americans are stepping up to support their fellow citizens, especially my parents."
Julia Louis-Dreyfus (64) waved a sign with "The only monarch I like is a butterfly" written on it and tagged it with #DownwithKings. "The White Lotus" actress Natasha Rothwell (44) put her face on a poster that read "You are trash" and also used the #DownwithKings tag.
Moby (59) recorded a video on Instagram saying, "We've got to do whatever we can to protect democracy: protest, donate, post, run for office, vote, organize. And by the way, now is NOT the time for arguing amongst ourselves. Let's focus on crushing this bullshit instead!"
Stars Sticking Together
Pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo (22) posted a sign that had a crossed-out crown and the addition "in our USA" – clear as day rejection of autocratic tendencies. Young singer Gracie Abrams (25) also joined forces and shared photos of herself amongst the crowd, with a sign that read "Whoever is neutral in unjust situations chooses the side of the oppressor" – a quote from Desmond Tutu.
Kerry Washington (48) uploaded several photos and selfies and noted #DownwithKings and "#QueensI Met" while protesting and fighting for democracy."
"The Bear" star Ayo Edebiri (29) showed her support via her Instagram story, sharing a sign that stated, "I love you and I stand with you! Stay brave!" "Jane the Virgin" actress Gina Rodriguez (40) demonstrated in the small town of Woodstock and wrote in a story, "Even in Woodstock, the smallest town, we ain't talkin' shit!"
- Donald Trump
- Democracy
- USA
- Celebrities
- Hollywood
- Mark Ruffalo
- U.S. Army
- U.S. President
- Los Angeles
- New York City
- New York
- San Francisco
- Social Media
- MSNBC
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Background and Meaning of "No Kings" Protests
The "No Kings" protests, which happened all over the United States in June 2025, were a response to various actions and policies of the Trump administration. These protests were particularly significant in Los Angeles, where tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered to voice their discontent.
Key Concerns and Motivations
- Immigration Enforcement: The protests centered around concerns over increased immigration enforcement and deportations. Protesters called out the administration's aggressive immigration tactics, which included raids in homes, workplaces, and on roads, causing harm to families and communities.
- Civil Rights and Federal Cuts: Demonstrators also addressed concerns about civil rights violations and cuts to federal programs. They argued that these actions represented an overstep by the administration that undermined democratic norms and put individual rights at risk.
- Military Parade and Trump's Birthday: The protests coincided with a military parade held on June 14, Trump's birthday, which critics saw as a symbol of the administration's authoritarian leanings. Although Trump denied any connection between the parade and his birthday, claiming it was a celebration of Flag Day, the event was perceived as a display of military might, aligning with the "No Kings" message against monarchical aspirations.
Importance
- Peaceful Resistance: The "No Kings" protests were notable for being peaceful and widespread, taking place in over 2,000 communities across the U.S., making it one of the largest single-day protests in recent American history.
- Patriotic Fervor: Protesters framed their actions as patriotic, emphasizing the significance of protesting in the name of defending democratic ideals. Signs and slogans like "Protest is patriotic" were used to highlight their belief that standing against perceived authoritarianism is a fundamental American value.
- Contrast to Official Events: The protests contrasted sharply with the official celebrations in Washington, D.C., which included concerts and a military parade, emphasizing the divide between the administration's vision and the perspectives of its critics.
- Many celebrities, including Mark Ruffalo, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Olivia Rodrigo, joined the "No Kings" protests nationwide, expressing their concerns about the erosion of democracy under the current administration.
- Hollywood figures took to social media and interviews to voice their disapproval of President Trump's leadership style and his perceived autocratic tendencies.
- The "No Kings" protests, held in cities such as Los Angeles, New York City, and San Francisco, attracted large crowds of Americans who felt that their democratic values were under threat.
- The entertainment industry, as demonstrated by the "No Kings" protests, plays a significant role in shaping public opinion on issues of policy and legislation, particularly in the realm of politics, pop-culture, entertainment, and general news.