This Saturday, Philadelphia braces for one of the largest anti-Trump protests in the United States as part of the nationwide ‘No Kings’ initiative, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday and a military parade in Washington, D.C.
The protest in Philadelphia is expected to attract hundreds, following a nationwide call-to-action that anticipates over 1,800 demonstrations across various cities.
Organized by the pro-democracy ‘No Kings’ movement, this initiative seeks to emphasize that no individual in America holds unilateral power like a king. With support from more than 100 organizations, including notable groups such as Indivisible, the American Federation of Teachers, the American Civil Liberties Union, and MoveOn, the event aims to rally support against what organizers perceive as increasing authoritarianism and corruption in Trump’s administration.
The Philadelphia gathering is slated to kick off at noon at LOVE Park in JFK Plaza and will run until 3 p.m. The rally will feature a march down Ben Franklin Parkway toward the Philadelphia Museum of Art, starting at 12:30 p.m. Upon arrival at the museum, speakers will address the crowd to further urge action.
In a strategic move, organizers have encouraged demonstrators to focus their efforts in Philadelphia, branding it as the ‘major flagship’ event instead of congregating in Washington, D.C. This shift is expected to significantly increase attendee numbers, recalling the 2017 Women’s March in Philadelphia, which attracted approximately 50,000 participants.
For those planning to attend or travel around the city, road closures are anticipated due to the protest activities. Beginning at 3 a.m. Saturday, the City of Philadelphia will close Eakins Oval and inbound Kelly Drive (from Fairmount Avenue) to traffic. The expectation is that these roads may reopen by 5 p.m.
As crowds assemble near LOVE Park by noon, traffic disruptions in the nearby vicinity will begin, with closures set between 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The march, starting around 12:30 p.m., will bring further road closures along the entire length of Ben Franklin Parkway from 18th Street to Eakins Oval, affecting all cross streets along the route until at least 2:30 p.m.
Once the rally commences at the art museum, additional road closures may occur depending on the size of the crowd, further complicating travel in the area. Specific streets closed will include portions of Spring Garden Street, Kelly Drive, and the inbound Spring Garden Street Bridge from 11:30 a.m. until at least 5 p.m.
Travelers should be prepared for possible additional closures or delays as the situation unfolds throughout the day. Streets will gradually reopen as the gathering disperses and city crews work to clear the area.
Public transportation via SEPTA may seem like a convenient alternative to avoid traffic; however, travelers should note that SEPTA bus routes operating through the Museum of Art area will be detoured starting at 3 a.m.
While changes to train, subway, and trolley services have not been disclosed, updates will be provided on SEPTA’s System Status Page and their social media account.
As Saturday approaches, anticipation builds both for the protest’s impact and the response from city officials and law enforcement. The events reflect the prevailing public sentiments opposing President Donald Trump as he continues his second term in office amidst a backdrop of political division and civil engagement.
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