On Saturday, around 60,000 individuals took to the streets of downtown San Diego in protest, coinciding with what organizers have designated as ‘No Kings’ Day. This nationwide event is a response against President Donald Trump’s policies, particularly amidst a military parade being held in Washington, D.C.
Two significant rallies commenced around 10:15 a.m., one at Civic Center Plaza and the other at Waterfront Park. From the County Administration building, the marchers moved south on Harbor Drive, with a total of 11 rallies planned throughout San Diego County.
According to estimates from the San Diego Police Department, the two rallies alone attracted over 60,000 participants.
Organizer Wendy Gelernter of Take Action SD emphasized the need for such demonstrations. “We organized this because San Diegans from all walks of life are so concerned about the cruelty and the corruption and the authoritarianism of the Trump regime,” Gelernter stated. “We want to preserve our democracy, and we want to preserve our rights. We want to stop having people kidnapped off the streets. We want to stop having parents torn away from their children, and we want to have rights for everybody in the country. That’s why thousands and thousands of people are here today.”
Karina Avila, a resident of Spring Valley, shared her motivations for attending the protest. “I think speaking up does make a difference. You know, some people don’t believe it, but I do. I’m here for my family who can’t speak up. I’m here for myself. I want to make a difference, and I do believe things like this do.”
For Raymond Rubi and Kathia Cortez, the No Kings Day march marked their first venture into protesting. Rubi, an army veteran, expressed his discontent with the current government. “As somebody who has served, I feel like the current standards, the current things that the government stands for is not correct,” Rubi remarked. “I feel like a lot of us, people who served with me, feel like our time in service was wasted, and we’re just trying to show to everybody else we’re — for the people, not for the government.”
The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) reported sporadic delays on trolley lines due to high rider numbers, indicative of the protest’s significant turnout.
Organizers of ‘No Kings’ Day urged participants to express their views while maintaining a commitment to nonviolence, emphasizing de-escalation in any encounters with those holding opposing views.
“A core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action,” the organizers stated. Despite the high levels of participation, the San Diego Police Department reported that the march remained peaceful, with no arrests made. Police Lieutenant Travis Easter mentioned that numerous resources were available to support the event, although specific details were not disclosed.
As the march progressed, the SDPD enforced rolling road closures, which were later lifted after the event reached its conclusion.
In addition to the activities in Downtown San Diego, several other events were scheduled across the county. These included rallies in Carlsbad, Del Mar, Chula Vista, Escondido, El Cajon, Mira Mesa, Rancho Bernardo, Ramona, and San Marcos, showcasing a widespread effort to voice dissent against the current administration.
Interestingly, the day marked not only President Trump’s 79th birthday but also the 250th anniversary of the United States Army, coinciding with a grand military parade in the capital city featuring military vehicles and personnel.
Critics argue that the parade represents a vanity project for President Trump, with some labeling it as a display reminiscent of authoritarian regimes. Richard Cannon, an organizer with 50501 Escondido, contended, “This administration is sending National Guard troops and active duty military against American citizens protesting this administration’s illegal and unconstitutional actions. This is exactly the type of tyrannical behavior that our founding fathers feared, one that many thought ‘could never happen in this country.'”
The military parade, the first since 1991’s National Victory Celebration, is slated to feature over 6,700 soldiers and various military equipment. Army officials estimate a taxpayer cost between $25 million and $45 million for the event, which will necessitate protective measures on city streets to accommodate the heavy machinery involved, including 28 M1 Abrams tanks and Stryker armored vehicles.
President Trump defended the parade, stating, “For two and a half centuries, the men and women of America’s army have dominated our enemies and protected our freedom at home. This parade salutes our soldiers’ remarkable strength and unbeatable spirit. You won’t want to miss it. Thundering tanks and breathtaking flyovers will roar through our capital city.”
Allison Gill, a podcaster featured at the San Diego rallies, echoed the sentiment that the display was contrary to democratic values, remarking that it mirrors events one would expect to see in countries like Russia or North Korea, rather than in a democracy.
With the backdrop of significant military parades and heightened Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities, many attendees expressed their fear and frustration with ongoing developments in the country. Michele Cyr, an organizer of the protest in Carlsbad, pledged her concerns: “I am protesting because I am scared about what’s happening in our country. It’s not a democracy anymore when workers are afraid to go to work, have no job to go to anymore and our civil liberties are under attack.”
The No Kings Day protests encapsulated a diverse assortment of voices united in their dissent against perceived authoritarianism, fostering an environment of community and collective action in San Diego and beyond.
image source from：https://www.kpbs.org/news/politics/2025/06/14/thousands-march-through-downtown-for-no-kings-day-protest
