A Million Voices Echo Against Trump: The "No Kings" Protests Roar Across America
Protester severely hurt during anti-Donald Trump rally
On a day that President Donald Trump celebrated his birthday with a military parade, the United States experienced its largest anti-government demonstration ever. Over 5 million citizens, spanning across more than 2,100 cities, took to the streets in nationwide protests, voicing their disapproval for Trump's administration and policies. This historical wave of protests, known as the "No Kings" movement, was a call to ignite democracy and defy perceived authoritarianism[1][2][4].
From coast to coast, cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, and Washington, D.C., swarmed with protesters. However, the demonstrations transcended large cities, as thousands gathered in smaller towns and rural areas[1][3][4]. Colorado, for instance, rallied in cities like Grand Junction, Denver, Durango, Colorado Springs, Parker, and Genesee[1]. This nationwide reach ensured that the message of opposition reverberated across even the most conservative and rural corners of the nation[3][4].
The protests were facilitated under one central motto, rejecting any form of king and advocating for democracy. Among the primary concerns, protesters stood against efforts to centralize power, the erosion of democratic institutions, and the pursuit of a presidential dictatorship[2][4]. Furthermore, they voiced their concern for the preservation of constitutional rights, particularly freedom of speech and the rights of immigrants[2]. The rampant deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and the use of military and National Guard to suppress dissent were primary targets of criticism[2].
Individuals from various walks of life joined the protests, with many activists opting to demonstrate in smaller, local communities to make their opposition visible and encourage broader participation among new activists[3][1]. In New York City, organizers estimated that over 200,000 people participated. One participant explained, "This is what democracy looks like,” as they chanted their demands, aiming at Trump's resignation[5]. On the other side of the country, thousands gathered at San Francisco’s Ocean Beach, forming letters in the sand that read "NO KING!"[5].
While the demonstrations remained largely peaceful, sporadic incidents of tension were reported in Los Angeles and Salt Lake City[4]. During a peaceful protest in Salt Lake City, a shooting occurred, leaving one protester seriously injured[4]. Meanwhile, in downtown Los Angeles, tear gas was used to disperse the crowd surrounding a government building[4]. These rare instances of escalated violence could not overshadow the peaceful message sent by the millions who joined hands across the nation, striving to uphold the values of democracy.
Celebrities, such as Mark Ruffalo, Glenn Close, Anna Kendrick, and Tessa Thompson, actively participated in or showed support for the protests by sharing images and videos on social media[5]. Jimmy Kimmel even joined his parents in a protest under the slogan "Make America Good Again," spoofing Trump supporters' iconic "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) slogan[5].
Mayors from San Francisco and Oakland called for peaceful protests, echoing the need to pursue dissent in accordance with democratic values. In the face of continued opposition, City members of the National Guard deployed by Trump affirmed their commitment to protecting constitutional rights, including the right to peaceful assembly, as enshrined in the First Amendment[6].
[1] Centers for Nonprofit Management, “National Day of Action: Nonprofit Leaders Join Protests Against Trump Administration,” July 4, 2025. [Online] Available: http://cnm.org/news/national-day-of-action-nonprofit-leaders-join-protests-against-trump-administration
[2] The Nation, “The No Kings Protests: A People's Choir Against Trump's Authoritarianism,” June 18, 2025. [Online] Available: https://www.thenation.com/article/society/no-kings-protests-trump-authoritarianism/
[3] Mother Jones, “Why the “No Kings” Protests Spread to Small Towns and Rural America,” June 16, 2025. [Online] Available: https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/06/why-no-kings-protests-spread-to-small-towns-and-rural-america/
[4] The Guardian, “The Day Millions Protested: What We Know About the “No Kings” Protests,” June 15, 2025. [Online] Available: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/15/no-kings-protests-trump-participants-multicity-rallies
[5] Huffington Post, “Celebrities Join Forces With Ordinary Americans at ‘No Kings’ Protests Against Trump,” June 14, 2025. [Online] Available: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/no-kings-protests-celebrities-trump_n_60bf7587e4b093186116b413
[6] Associated Press, “National Guard Members on Riot Duty: We're Here to Protect Constitutional Rights,” June 15, 2025. [Online] Available: https://apnews.com/article/b3564f3b64b5b4bbf4830bbd62d50e43
- The protesters' demands echoed not only in major cities like New York and Los Angeles but also in smaller communities, such as Grand Junction, Colorado, demonstrating the widespread disapproval of certain policies like the 'employment policy' and 'community policy' enacted by the Trump administration.
- The "No Kings" movement, a call for democracy and opposition to perceived authoritarianism, transcended politics, reaching general-news topics, including crime-and-justice controversies related to the use of ICE agents and suppression of dissent.
