An estimated 70,000 individuals gathered in downtown Seattle on Saturday to participate in the “No Kings” protest, marking one of the largest coordinated protests in U.S. history, with over 2,000 events taking place nationwide.
The 1.5-mile march from Cal Anderson Park to the Seattle Center was organized to develop a mass movement opposing authoritarianism, emphasizing the belief that “in America, we don’t do kings.”
Timed to coincide with both Flag Day and President Donald Trump’s birthday, the demonstrations criticized what participants viewed as Trump’s anti-constitutional policies, proclaiming that the flag and the future belong to the populace, rather than to one individual.
The event featured a vibrant atmosphere driven by chants, signs, and impassioned speeches from civic leaders, student organizers, and union representatives, drawing a diverse, intergenerational crowd. Among them, many students emerged as the most vocal advocates.
Law enforcement presence during the rally remained minimal, with both Seattle Indivisible organizers and the Seattle Police Department reporting no safety concerns throughout the event.
Although the protest remained peaceful, speakers warned of escalating stakes as tensions heightened due to recent developments, including the Trump administration’s deployment of 200 Marines to Los Angeles following extensive ICE raids. As speculation mounted regarding potential targeting of Seattle, Washington State Solicitor General Noah Purcell encouraged the crowd to stay resilient and united, but cautioned against relying solely on the judicial system.
In the past five months, 22 lawsuits have been filed against the Trump administration, and discussions of the National Guard’s deployment loomed over the city. However, Purcell stressed that true power is vested in the people.
U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal echoed this sentiment, calling for widespread civic engagement and empowerment among citizens. “We must rise higher to stop ourselves from falling into the violent drain of authoritarianism,” Jayapal stated emphatically. “There are no kings in a democracy.”
Symbolism was prevalent at the rally, with a towering papier-mâché figure of Trump looming over attendees, casting a shadow on a replica of the Statue of Liberty that held a sign reading, “Liberty For All.” Bubbles floated gently above the excited crowd, reflecting sunlight.
For many young activists present, the rally was not just a political statement, but a personal one as well. Jacob, a third-year Seattle University student and the social justice chair of the Filipino Student Association, highlighted the significant role that students play in resisting federal overreach.
“Trump is afraid of young people because we’re not afraid of him,” Jacob stated. “We will not let our constitutional light flicker out.”
He urged solidarity among student communities and referenced the legacy of historical movements that paved the way for youth activism. Jacob noted, “From the Vietnam War protests to the Battle of Seattle, students have to be the foundation of political movements because they can bring the most energy and change into Seattle.”
His sentiments were echoed throughout the day, as various speakers emphasized the crucial role of student voices in defending democracy. “Organizing together, growing together — that’s where the change begins,” Jacob reiterated.
Fellow college students Margaret Moon and Lindy Schwenn attended the protest adorned with glitter and shared a fiery determination.
“We’re straying away from democracy, what we’re built on as a country, and Trump is trying to change that,” Schwenn expressed. “Everyone seemed to believe in it for so many hundreds of years and now it seems to be dissipating.”
Both students pointed fingers at increasing anti-constitutional actions, such as deportations and the potential overturn of birthright citizenship, highlighting their inconsistency with the values outlined in the Constitution. Moon added, “Trump has too much power, and he’s trying to be a dictator. ‘No Kings’ means everything right now.”
Diverse demographics were represented at the protest, with older attendees like Betsy B. and Beth expressing their deep concerns over the current political climate.
“This was the tipping point after the past week,” Betsy B. remarked. “For me, there’s absolutely no historical reference point for this moment.”
Holding signs that stated, “Resist Trump, Save Democracy,” the duo stressed that the preservation of constitutional rights — including freedoms of press and assembly — necessitates active involvement from younger generations. They underscored that students have the most to lose in the immediate future but also possess significant potential to influence what’s next.
“The more people you talk to and get into discussion with, is absolutely critical,” Beth stated.
Katie Garrow, the executive secretary treasurer of MLK Labor and a featured speaker, addressed the audience about the importance of unions in safeguarding democracy in the face of rising authoritarianism. “We in unions elect our own leaders, like we expect in this country — just like politicians should be held accountable to the people who elect them,” Garrow articulated.
She highlighted Seattle’s storied history of resistance, referencing events from the Battle of Seattle against the World Trade Organization to the protests following George Floyd’s death. Garrow cautioned that Trump’s rhetoric has betrayed working-class individuals and communities nationally, noting that many had previously underestimated his willingness to act on his threats.
“Donald Trump lied to them,” Garrow stated. “He sold them something that is not real.”
Shoulder to shoulder, demonstrators marched through downtown streets, filling them with signs, flags, and chants. American and Pride flags swayed from the Interstate 5 overpass, displaying solidarity.
Gathered beneath the towering Space Needle, the crowd sprawled out on the lawn, forming circles, cheering, and engaging with one another. Children played in a fountain while discussions unfolded throughout the gathering.
As powerful chants resonated across the park — “No kings, no crowns, we the people will never back down” — the rally’s message became abundantly clear: the fight is not only about the present circumstances but also about the imperative to protect democracy for the future.
With students leading the charge and civic leaders rallying for collective action, the No Kings protest demonstrated the readiness of young organizers to not only respond to the current moment but also to prepare to lead the next chapter in the fight for democracy.
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