On Saturday, a series of coordinated ‘No Kings’ protests took place across the United States, with a significant gathering in Chicago. The protests were organized as a response to the Trump administration’s policies, which many demonstrators believe are steering the nation toward authoritarianism.
Protestors marched in various locations, including downtown Chicago, Evanston, and other suburbs, along with cities and small towns nationwide. The timing of the protests coincided with a military parade in Washington, D.C., meant to celebrate the Army’s 250th anniversary, as well as President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.
Kathy Tholin, chair of the board of the advocacy group Indivisible Chicago, expressed concerns about the current political climate, stating, ‘We’re in a situation that is a crisis that is deepening every day, with the weaponization of the military against people, with the kidnapping and disappearing of our neighbors, with the stealing of our resources to give to billionaires.’
Tholin’s words resonated with protesters, as she emphasized the message of the day: ‘No, we don’t have kings in this country. We don’t want chaos and cruelty. And we don’t want this country to be in the service of billionaires.’
The protests came at a time of heightened tensions regarding Trump’s deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles – a controversial decision declared without a governor’s request. The President justified this move as necessary to protect federal property amidst protests against his administration’s immigration raids, labeling the demonstrators as ‘paid insurrectionists.’
In the wake of these events, numerous Democratic leaders and protesters condemned Trump for allegedly overstepping his authority, labeling him an autocrat in light of his actions.
Amidst chants and banners declaring slogans like ‘No kings since 1776’ and ‘Citizen not subject,’ speakers at the rallies highlighted the importance of democratic governance and the rejection of authoritarian rule. U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, D-Ill., addressed the large crowd at Daley Plaza, stating, ‘When I look out at this gathering, I don’t see Daley Plaza. I don’t even see this city. I see America. I see a country that decided in 1776: No kings in America.’
In light of recent violent incidents, including the assassinations of Minnesota state representatives and a separate shooting incident targeting lawmakers, several planned protests in Minnesota were canceled due to safety concerns. Organizers in Chicago, however, began their rally with a moment of silence to honor the Minnesota victims.
With thousands gathering at Daley Plaza in Chicago, protests were also vibrant in Atlanta, where an overcrowded rally occurred, and in Philadelphia, where demonstrators braved light rain to march toward the iconic Philadelphia Museum of Art. In Los Angeles, significant crowds gathered in front of City Hall, continuing to express their dissent against perceived injustices.
Nationwide, the ‘No Kings’ protests included approximately 2,000 planned events, organized by various grassroots movements such as the 50501 Movement, which symbolizes unity across the fifty states.
In Chicago, demonstrators marched from Daley Plaza down Michigan Avenue and Dearborn Street, passing in front of Trump Tower, with police maintaining a perimeter to manage the crowd. Notable features of the march included artistic expressions, as Jesse Flores and Brent Showalter brought a humorous yet critical representation of Trump’s parade in Washington. Showalter crafted a cardboard tank to make a statement about the current political environment.
For many attendees, personal stories fueled their motivations to participate in the protests. Flores, whose partner is a cancer patient reliant on Medicaid, expressed concerns over potential cuts to the program that have been circulated in Congress.
Seventy-two-year-old Bob Personeet displayed an upside-down American flag, a traditional symbol of distress, to convey his message about the state of the nation.
As people gathered from all walks of life, Mike Duttge of Lincoln Square highlighted his fears for the future of the country, voicing concerns over the current governance and its implications for democracy.
Twenty-five-year-old Adela Benitez arrived at the protest with an El Salvadoran flag, illustrating her family’s struggles as they seek citizenship in the U.S. after fleeing violence. She shared how her parents, facing challenges due to lack of formal education, still attempt to navigate the complexities of the immigration system amid an often hostile environment.
The protest in Chicago culminated in unity and shared purpose, with individuals from diverse backgrounds joining together to challenge the notion of authoritarianism and reaffirm their commitment to democratic values.
Through chants, speeches, and visual symbols, participants reiterated their demand for a government representative of the people and a rejection of the idea that the nation should be presided over by a ‘fuhrer.’ The echoes of their voices across the country signaled a collective repudiation of the direction in which they believe the administration is steering the country.
Undoubtedly, these protests not only served to amplify voices of dissent but also fostered a spirit of community among those advocating for a more just and equitable political landscape as they came together across hundreds of locations in a nationwide mobilization.
image source from：https://chicago.suntimes.com/politics/2025/06/14/no-kings-protests-donald-trump-daley-plaza-evanston-oak-park
