Tens of millions of Americans took to the streets and signed petitions during the “No Kings” protests. Not surprising, considering how deeply they oppose President Donald Trump – his leadership, his policies, his vision for America. These demonstrations were planned by more than 300 local grassroots organizations. They focused attention on what the marchers believe to be an abuse of presidential authority. Those marches and rallies were nothing short of historic. An estimated three million strong, this phenomenal turnout made it one of the biggest mass protest movements in modern U.S. history.
The protests soon transcended the United States. Indeed, localities throughout the world, including London, Madrid, and Barcelona have taken up the torch. The initial protests were especially sparked when a group of protesters stormed the U.S. Embassy in London. That inspired copycat marches across every big city and most little hamlets in every corner of America.
A Historic Mobilization
Dana Fisher, a Professor at American University, tossed out a provocative prediction. She’s confident this young movement will help create the largest protest turnout in modern U.S. history. Between all 2,600 planned “No Kings” protests going forward, the size and scope of these demonstrations is historic. Leah Greenberg, co-founder of Indivisible and a principal organizer of the marches, said that that’s what made these events so special.
“There is nothing more American than saying ‘We don’t have kings’ and exercising our right to peacefully protest,” – Leah Greenberg
The rallies featured a diverse array of participants, with many donning costumes that symbolized American heritage, including figures like Elvis Presley, Benjamin Franklin, and the Statue of Liberty. Some of the demonstrators wore frog suits, while others brandished signs alluding to deep political matters like the Epstein files.
The participation in New York City by Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez helped add even more excitement and energy to the marches. Support from these well-known political leaders helped amplify the importance of these rallies in calling for strong democracy and accountability on the national level.
Voices from the Crowd
With newly kindled faith that their leaders would be held accountable, participants made it clear that their shared love for democracy ran deep. Aliston Elliot, a protester from New York City, put this sentiment into words.
“We want to show our support for democracy and for fighting [for] what is right. I’m against the overreach of power.” – Aliston Elliot
Democratic leaders echoed these sentiments. Even Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer acknowledged how important those protests were. He continued that they represent a core part of who we are as Americans.
“Today’s ‘No Kings’ rallies are an affirmation of what America is all about. We are a democracy,” – Chuck Schumer
Hakeem Jeffries, the new top Democratic leader, echoed and supplemented Trump’s words by reiterating how peaceful protest is at the core of what America is all about.
“Peaceful protest against an out-of-control president is the American way,” – Hakeem Jeffries
The Protesters asristen to enforce their rights. As scholars, they seek to protect and uphold foundations of democracy by critiquing and challenging what they view as increasingly authoritarian tendencies within the Trump administration.
Trump Responds
In direct reaction to the protests, President Trump raised the concern that he was being called a “king.” He has tried to distance himself from such accusations, doubling down on the importance of upholding democratic norms.
“they’re referring to me as a king — I’m not a king,” – Donald Trump
His comments are made amid a wave of anger from Americans on all sides over the administration’s terrible policies, actions, and blunders. The “No Kings” protests addressed these fears and were a loud, effective outlet for local residents to voice their opposition.
