In a remarkable display of resistance, over five million people participated in 2,000 coordinated ‘No Kings Day’ protests across all 50 states, marking a historic moment in the ongoing national demonstrations against President Donald Trump’s policies.
These protests were characterized by a festive yet defiant atmosphere, with participants parading through cities and towns accompanied by bands, drummers, and colorful banners. Participants waved signs with slogans like “No Kings since 1776” and expressed opposition to Trump’s policies regarding health care, food programs, education, and science.
Notably, the slogan “Fight Oligarchy” was seen prominently, alongside an increase in signs urging to “Fight Fascism!” A particularly resonant chant heard in New York City was, “Whose country? Our country!” highlighting a collective yearning for national unity and redemption.
Timothy Snyder, a historian who spoke in Philadelphia, led the crowd in a powerful exchange, stating “No Kings” to which the crowd responded with a resounding “Freedom!” The demonstrations remained largely peaceful across the nation, with only sporadic incidents reported.
In Riverside, California, a counter-protestor pursued by police was discovered to have a gun in his vehicle. In Virginia, a man drove his car into a group of marchers, resulting in one injury. However, the protests were largely tranquil, and incidents of violence were minimal despite the scale of participation.
The timing of No Kings Day coincided with President Trump’s military parade celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, which also marked his 79th birthday. The event, costing an estimated $45 million, featured 6,700 soldiers and various military vehicles, along with aerial displays from helicopter gunships and parachute teams. The parade was heavily fortified with fences to deter protests, as Trump cautioned that dissent would face “very heavy force.” In response to the potential for conflict, organizers of No Kings Day chose to avoid a protest in Washington D.C.
Previously, a week of protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids had taken place in Los Angeles and 40 other cities across 23 states. These protests were in reaction to Trump’s aggressive deployment of the National Guard and Marines to combat undocumented immigration, which has seen ICE arresting approximately 3,000 individuals daily at workplaces and schools.
In earlier protests against ICE, authorities utilized tear gas, flash-bang grenades, and rubber bullets, leading to hundreds of arrests, illustrating the heightened tensions surrounding immigration enforcement across the nation. The raids and local protests against ICE’s activities continue to unfold.
Meanwhile, the No Kings Day protests faced challenges of their own. Organizers in Saint Paul, Minnesota, canceled their plans in light of a tragic incident involving the assassination of two Democratic Party legislators and the injury of others. The area remains heightened with fear due to an active shooter, Vance Boelter, who is under investigation by police. Boelter, a 57-year-old white man with a history of anti-abortion and anti-LGBT sentiments, is also a Trump supporter.
President Trump condemned the violence in Minnesota and offered federal resources to aid local authorities.
The anti-ICE protests and the No Kings Day events mark a significant step forward in the resistance against the Trump administration. However, organizers noted that participation lacked proportional representation from Black and Latino communities, indicating a need for broader support.
The movement aims to grow in strength, emphasizing the necessity of strikes and mass civil disobedience to make a more substantial impact. A call for the next national march against President Trump has already been set for Juneteenth, June 19, aligning with the celebration of the end of slavery in America.
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