United States Unrest: "No Kings" Protest Sweeps Nation
Nationwide Uprisings condemning Trump's Presidency
On a rainy day in June 2025, cities across the United States witnessed a monumental show of dissent as millions took to the streets for the "No Kings" protest, an uprising coinciding with President Donald Trump's military parade in Washington, D.C., as well as his 79th birthday and the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary.
The protests, with the motto "No Kings," were spurred by growing discontent over what protesters viewed as President Trump's authoritarian tendencies and politically-driven immigration policies involving large-scale deportation actions. Despite the turbulent backdrop, an air of defiance and resilience filled the streets, marking one of the largest anti-Trump protests to date.
The Chaos Unfolds
Though protests remained predominantly peaceful, Los Angeles saw a turn for the worse in the afternoon. Tear gas was deployed outside a government building to disperse the crowd, which according to the police, had been hurling stones and bottles. Scores were arrested in New York City, as reported by CNN, while the protest in Minnesota was called off following attacks on two Democratic Party politicians.
In Utah's Salt Lake City, a shooting incident under unclear circumstances left a protester seriously injured. Videos circulating on the internet showed gunfire and panicked protesters fleeing the scene. Elsewhere in Utah, the atmosphere was electric, with music blaring and the crowd incanting "Donald Trump must go" and less frequent shout-outs of "Fuck ICE."
Meanwhile, Trump reveled in his military parade festivities, which seemed to split public opinion with supporters expressing approval and opponents expressing criticism.
Downtown Demonstrations
Thousands of protesters braved the rain in the Big Apple, with organizers estimating around 200,000 attendees. Chants of "This is what democracy looks like" echoed throughout the city, followed by calls for President Trump's removal. Multiple signs targeted the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, reading, "If I wanted a dictator, I'd ask my cat."
Other major cities such as Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles, displayed impressive turnout, with tens of thousands attending. In Santa Monica, the spirit was high, with music in the air and the ever-present chant, "Donald Trump must go."
Taking a Stand
In California's politically significant cities of San Francisco and Oakland, thousands marched in defiance, sun shining brightly above. At San Francisco's Ocean Beach, hundreds formed themselves into a giant "NO KING!" sign in the sand.
Celebrities like Mark Ruffalo, known for his role in Marvel films, joined the ranks of protesters in New York City. Actors Glenn Close, Anna Kendrick, and Tessa Thompson shared videos from the protests on their Instagram accounts. In a notable show of solidarity, TV host Jimmy Kimmel demonstrated with his parents, sporting a shirt that read "Make America Good Again," poking fun at the "Maga" slogan of Trump supporters.
Mayors of both Oakland and San Francisco called for peaceful protests and stressed zero tolerance for violence or destructive behavior. Mayor Barbara Lee of Oakland decried, "We are here to remind our country that this is a democracy, no kings allowed."
Counter-Protests: A Different Side
In Florida, protesters en route to President Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence were halted by law enforcement. In the nation's capital, Washington, D.C., there were no scheduled "No Kings" events, but the "Refuse Fascism" coalition organized a smaller demonstration. Yet, in Miami, a counter-protest commemorated Trump's birthday, as per reports by NBC.
In Los Angeles, members of the National Guard, appointed by President Trump, reiterated their presence to safeguard buildings and officials—all while respecting the First Amendment rights of protesters, despite potential backlash from city residents.
The "No Kings" protests, while contentious, painted a vivid image of a nation deeply divided and assertively demanding change.
- Despite the lively music echoing through the streets of Santa Monica during the "No Kings" protest, tensions rose leading to attacks on two Democratic Party politicians, resulting in the cancelation of the demonstration.
- As various cities across the United States saw large anti-Trump protests, with many holding signs targeting the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, celebrities like Mark Ruffalo, Glenn Close, Anna Kendrick, and Tessa Thompson joined the ranks, sharing their support on social media platforms such as Instagram.
