On June 15, an unprecedented wave of protests swept across the United States, culminating in an emergency online meeting by the World Socialist Web Site (WSWS) titled “Trump’s Coup and How to Stop It.”
More than 5 to 11 million people participated in demonstrations in over 2,000 cities and towns nationwide, signaling one of the largest mobilizations in U.S. history.
The protests were a direct response to President Donald Trump’s fascist crackdown on immigrants and the alarming attempts to install a presidential dictatorship.
In stark contrast to the sparse attendance at Trump’s military parade in Washington D.C. that same day, the streets were filled with workers, students, and youth expressing sentiments against the administration’s actions, particularly the deployment of active-duty troops in cities like Los Angeles and the aggressive actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Notably, New York City saw up to 100,000 demonstrators, joined by tens of thousands in Los Angeles, amid ongoing fears generated by the militarization of police and the military against peaceful protesters.
From Chicago to Atlanta, demonstrations were marked by diverse crowds, with significant turnouts even in smaller cities.
In Pennsylvania, thousands gathered in places like Allentown and Easton.
Demonstrators across all locations held handmade signs highlighting the Trump administration’s attacks on immigrants and various social programs, drawing upon America’s revolutionary traditions.
In Michigan, protests were especially notable, with 5,000 in Lansing and between 5,000 to 10,000 in Detroit.
Protesters in Minneapolis, Minnesota, braved a call for restraint from the state’s Democratic governor following a violent attack on local legislators, demonstrating resilience in the face of threats directed at them.
In Falls Church, Virginia, around 1,000 people gathered in opposition to the Trump administration’s policies, showcasing the grassroots response to what many viewed as an authoritarian regime.
The nationwide protests were tagged as a powerful statement of collective opposition to President Trump’s actions against democracy and immigrants.
In Los Angeles, the “No Kings” event drew tens of thousands for a rally that lasted for hours, despite fears of potential repercussions from immigration authorities.
Manny, a construction worker, articulated the feeling of many when he noted that he came out in support of those who, unlike him, could not risk deportation.
Continuous protests in Los Angeles followed militarized ICE actions from earlier in the month, with reports of over 560 arrests tied to anti-ICE demonstrations.
The Los Angeles rally attracted participants from various sectors of society, and as it grew, the Socialist Equality Party’s call for a general strike to challenge Trump’s regime resonated with many attendees.
The protest initially remained peaceful until police declared it an “unlawful assembly” and attacked the crowd, leading to chaos as officers used tear gas and “less lethal” rounds against demonstrators.
Among those caught in the fracas was an elderly Vietnam War veteran who suffered injuries during the police crackdown.
The atmosphere was charged, with bystanders also caught up in the turmoil as demonstrators attempted to flee or aid those injured.
Amid the chaos, reports emerged of police officers exhibiting aggressive behavior, such as kicking protest balloons and personal property, overshadowing calls for peaceful protest.
Voices among the crowd expressed wide-ranging frustrations related to Trump’s administration, including constitutional violations and economic struggles.
Wade, a bartender, criticized Trump’s immigration policies as unconstitutional and reflected on the broader implications of the administration’s actions on capitalism and workers’ rights.
Daisy, an office worker, emphasized her stance against ICE raids and the perceived shift toward authoritarian governance under Trump’s rule, advocating for solidarity against such moves.
Mariana, a teacher, articulated her fears regarding the decline of democratic values and the necessity of taking a stand before it was too late, suggesting that California’s resistance was pivotal to a national movement.
Tatiana, whose family had immigrated from Guatemala, echoed similar feelings, advocating for a general strike and reinforcing the need to recognize workers’ contributions to the economy.
Thousands more gathered in Lansing, Michigan, where speakers included local Democratic Party members who offered tradition-bound responses amid spiraling public outrage.
While they acknowledged a need for action, the Democratic leadership’s responses were criticized by members of the Socialist Equality Party as inadequate to counter Trump’s dictatorial tendencies.
This event saw about 5,000 participants in front of the Michigan State Capitol, where many sought to express their discontent with the undermining of social programs and continued military actions.
Voices calling for an organized labor response were met with enthusiasm, as speakers and participants alike discussed the pressing need for a striking workforce to affect real change.
Similar protests occurred in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, where upwards of 40,000 people demonstrated collectively against Trump’s policies, showcasing significant political engagement across Pennsylvania.
The protest atmosphere was charged, with participants voicing strong sentiments against the administration and its increasingly authoritarian rule.
Thousands also flocked to the Bay Area, with numerous demonstrations across cities such as Oakland, where participants expressed clear support for a general strike and a united front against present injustices.
In Canada, a solidarity rally in Toronto saw attendees call for action against Trump’s regime, while voicing concerns about the political landscape in both nations.
Significant crowds turned out in Detroit, where issues specifically related to immigration were highlighted, drawing attention to individual cases that exemplified broader injustices.
Massive gatherings emerged in major cities, including Chicago, where attendance surpassed 100,000, demonstrating the common thread of resistance to Trump’s regime nationwide.
As reports of protests spread across the country, it became evident that public sentiment was increasingly aligned against the perceived authoritarianism represented by Trump.
In Nashville, 10,000 residents rallied in support of immigrant rights and against the escalating threat of dictatorial governance.
Demonstrations across San Diego expressed deep grievances regarding the militarization of law enforcement within immigrant communities, paralleled by fear and anger against recent policy changes.
In New York City, the spirit of rebellion was evident as over 100,000 individuals marched through Manhattan, articulating a collective demand for justice and adherence to constitutional rights.
Emerging patterns of solidarity and anger against the administration’s actions have fostered a growing recognition of the need for a concerted and organized response.
In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, hundreds participated in poignant demonstrations, referencing the core values that unite various communities under the fight against systemic oppression.
Overall, the nationwide protests of June 15 served as a powerful moment of unity against President Trump’s policies, drawing together diverse communities in defense of democratic principles and human rights.
The overwhelming turnout and vocal opposition signal that, in the face of rising authoritarianism, the American people are mobilizing and demanding an end to the present regime.
image source from：https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/06/14/bnxp-j14.html
