Taking a Stand Against Authoritarianism: Hollywood Speaks Out Against Trump's Policies
Protesters in Hollywood rally against President Trump - Prominent figures in the entertainment industry are voicing dissent towards President Trump.
Over the weekend, while the country celebrated the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and President Donald Trump's 79th birthday, masses of people marched in cities like Los Angeles, New York City, and San Francisco under the banner "No Kings". They were protesting against Trump's authoritarian political style, growing erosion of democracy, and advocating for a King-free America.
Famous Faces Raise Their Voices
The demonstrations drew a crowd of celebrities who voiced their concerns on social media and in interviews. Mark Ruffalo spoke at a rally in New York, stating to the U.S. news network MSNBC, "Our democracy is in real danger. We see a president who has made himself king and dictator, while an effective opposition is lacking. Our rights, our constitution are trampled upon every day by executive orders and contempt for court rulings - we witness abductions of legally resident people in the USA, families are torn apart. We are horrified, we are afraid - and we know that the only way to stop this is for the population to stand together."
Jimmy Kimmel shared a post on Instagram, stating that he joined a peaceful crowd in South Bay, California, and expressed gratitude for the fellow Americans taking action to protect their fellow citizens. Julia Louis-Dreyfus held a sign with the words "The only monarch I like is a butterfly" and tweeted #NoKings. Natasha Rothwell showed a poster with the phrase "You are trash" and also added the hashtag #NoKings.
Stars Stand in Solidarity
Pop star Olivia Rodrigo published a homemade sign with a crown crossed out and the words "in our USA" as a rejection of the autocratic tendencies. Singer Gracie Abrams posted photos of herself among protesters, including a poster with the quote, "Whoever is neutral in a situation of injustice chooses the side of the oppressor" - a quote from Desmond Tutu.
Kerry Washington posted several photos and selfies on Instagram and wrote "#NoKings, just a few QUEENS I met while protesting and fighting for democracy." "The Bear" star Ayo Edebiri shared a sign with the message "I love you and I'm with you! Stay brave!" and "Jane the Virgin" star Gina Rodriguez demonstrated in Woodstock, writing in a story "Even in Woodstock, the smallest town, we're not quiet! #NoKingsDay."
- Donald Trump
- Democracy
- USA
- Celebrities
- Hollywood
- Mark Ruffalo
- U.S. Army
- U.S. President
- Los Angeles
- New York City
- San Francisco
- Social Media
- MSNBC
Background of the 'No Kings' Protests:
The "No Kings" protests, organized in various parts of the United States, were a means of expressing opposition to President Trump's policies, especially those on immigration enforcement and civil rights. These protests were a reaction to the perception of excessive power exerted by the Trump administration, including the military deployments and immigration raids resulting in numerous arrests and deportations of families at their homes, places of work, and vehicles[1][2].
Key Points:
- Timing and Scale: The protests took place on June 14, 2025, coinciding with Flag Day, symbolizing President Trump's birthday and the military parade in Washington, D.C. as a show of power that reinforced Trump's perceived authoritarian tendencies[1][2].
- Organizers: The protests were initiated by groups such as Indivisible and other progressive organizations. Ezra Levin, co-executive director of Indivisible, framed the event as a demonstration of American values against royal rule, stating that "we don't do kings in America"[2].
- Message: The protests aimed to highlight concerns about the Trump administration's actions resulting in violations of democratic norms and civil liberties. Protesters displayed signs referencing the Constitution and symbols of American independence, emphasizing the theme "protest is patriotic"[1].
Impact of the 'No Kings' Protests:
- Public Awareness: The protests raised awareness among the public about the perceived overreach of the Trump administration and escalated the opposition to its policies[1][2].
- Political Momentum: The coordinated efforts and mass mobilization demonstrated the strength of grassroots organizing and the ability of progressive groups to mobilize people around specific issues. This momentum could influence future political activities and policy debates[2].
- Symbolic Significance: The protests served as a symbolic challenge to President Trump's leadership style and policies, positioning them as undemocratic and monarchical[1][2]. Overall, the "No Kings" protests were a significant event in the ongoing political and social discourse in the United States, shedding light on deep-rooted controversies and strong opposition against particular Trump administration policies.
- Mark Ruffalo, a prominent actor, voiced concerns on social media and during an interview with MSNBC about the erosion of democracy under the current US President, Donald Trump, likening his leadership style to that of a king or dictator.
- Jimmy Kimmel, a celebrity and the host of a late-night talk show, expressed his support for fellow Americans taking action to protect their rights and democracy through a post on Instagram.
- In the entertainment industry, celebrities like Olivia Rodrigo, Gracie Abrams, Kerry Washington, Ayo Edebiri, and Gina Rodriguez joined the "No Kings" protests in cities like Los Angeles, New York City, and San Francisco, voicing their opposition to President Trump's policies.
- The "No Kings" protests, organized by groups such as Indivisible, aimed to raise awareness and challenge the perceived authoritarian tendencies of the Trump administration, emphasizing the importance of democracy and the role of the population in protecting civil liberties.
