On April 5, 2025, millions of Americans joined in the “No Kings” protests. These protests exploded at over 2,100 sites across the country. The mass protests were planned by an unprecedented coalition of over 100 advocacy, civil rights and environmental groups. Their intent was to show opposition to then-President Donald Trump’s policies and authoritarianism. Demonstrations occurred in all 50 states and extended to some cities abroad, highlighting widespread discontent with the current political climate.
Adding a shocking counterpoint to the demonstrations, Trump deployed National Guard and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles. This was a major step up in the government’s militarized response to the crisis. The organizers took a conscious decision to not have a protest in Washington D.C. They sought to distinguish their movement from the military parade planned in the nation’s capital.
The protests were marked by a strong commitment to nonviolence, but tempers flared at times across the country. In Los Angeles, hundreds of thousands of people surrounded the downtown federal building in her district, and yelled, “Get out of LA! Meanwhile, in Portland, Oregon, federal agents resorted to using tear gas against demonstrators outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. The events spurred criticism of the government’s response to civil disobedience.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott preemptively deployed the state’s National Guard to manage anticipated protests ahead of the No Kings events. In Philadelphia, thousands marched from Love Park in the early afternoon, holding umbrellas and signs that symbolized their calls for change. In Florida, Republican Governor Ron DeSantis controversially stated that individuals could legally run over protesters with their vehicles if they felt surrounded.
April 5 witnessed the biggest day of actions since the 2017 People’s Climate March. More than 1.5 million people were expected to participate in the demonstration. Just earlier that day, demonstrators had packed the steps of Los Angeles City Hall. They carried American flags, demonstrating their patriotic spirit while expressing their strong dissent with the federal government.
Around 4 PM, it seems the Los Angeles Police Department finally got the memo. They had declared an “unlawful assembly” for anyone outside the designated protest “free speech zone.” In response, officers continued to deploy tear gas and foam rubber bullets into the crowd. Late today reports from San Francisco came in that a driver ran over a minimum of four protesters. Luckily, none of them were seriously injured.
Chris Yeazel, one of the protest organizers, said having their demonstration in front of the Capitol was critical to their efforts.
“This is exactly where we need to protest.” – Chris Yeazel
In his characteristic, bellicose way, Trump’s reaction to the protests was to double down on the notion that nobody understands him.
“I don’t feel like a king. I have to go through hell to get things approved.” – Donald Trump
While the protests were sparked by very specific issues, their heart revealed larger themes of opportunity and immigration. Social justice Victor, an attendee at one of these rallies, spoke eloquently about why he got involved in the movement for social justice.
“Other people have the right to work hard and make a life for themselves when they come from a country where they can’t do that or are facing political oppression or are desperate,” – Victor
The feelings expressed by so many at the protests hit home for those of us who live in politically abandoned communities devastated by gun violence. Perry McGowan articulated this shared experience.
“This is supposed to be the land of opportunity and a land built on immigrants.” – Victor
The No Kings protests mark the largest and most diverse mobilization yet of the political resistance Trump’s White House is creating. The protests are unprecedented in size and breadth. What stands out from their story is the citizens’ deep commitment to raising awareness of their plight and advocating for action.
“We are all affected by not just by political violence, but all violence in our lives,” – Perry McGowan
The No Kings protests represent a significant mobilization against perceived injustices under Trump’s administration. The scale and breadth of the demonstrations showcase a collective determination among citizens to voice their concerns and advocate for change.