Over 5 million people across the United States came together Saturday June 14 to protest the military parade organized to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the US Army (which just so happened to coincide with President Trump’s 79th birthday). Deemed the “No Kings” protests, over 2,000 nationwide demonstrations were planned by a coalition of organizations.
Although this was far from the first nationwide protest against the Trump administration, it was most definitely the largest. Participants ranged from all races, ages, sexes, and economic backgrounds, but came together to support the fight against fascism and authoritarianism in America.
Described as a joyful and peaceful atmosphere, these protests were a positive recess from the seemingly consistent flood of negativity in our nation today.
A veteran from Denver found comfort amongst the protesters; she now knew she wasn’t alone in this fight. “There was dancing, laughter and relief in the realization that this is not a struggle we undertake alone,” she told the Washington Post. She was also struck by the care shown amongst the crowd, noting how multiple people asked her throughout the day if she needed food, water, and other necessities. “This is why we come together: to remember who we are and that we are not alone.”
A participant in Mililani, Hawaii reflected on the peaceful nature of the protests and how that can create positive change. Like many, she was worried about the possibility of violence throughout the day, especially due to the week-long military presence in Los Angeles. “But instead, both protesters and police showed restraint and demonstrated how protest and free speech are supposed to work,” she told the Post. She called on all protesters to reflect on this moment of peace and understand that they have a responsibility to uphold nonviolence. “Disagreement does not have to spiral into division, division need not fester into hate, and hate must never explode into violence.”
This day of protest also cemented the rising resistance against Trump’s second term. Many noted the lack of defiance during the first few months of 2025 and wondered if fatigue had plagued the once lively retaliation against the Trump administration. The No Kings protests proved this inaccurate: with its enormous turnout and extensive organization, this demonstration showed that even if anti-Trump coalitions are tired, they will not be giving up in this fight.
Another encouraging fact: there have now been three times as many anti-Trump protests compared to 2017, which notably held the Women’s March, the largest single-day protest in American history at the time.
No matter who they are or where they come from, millions of Americans are coming out to oppose the rising tyranny of the Trump administration. In an era marked by deep division and discord, these protests are a symbol of unity and resistance.
Singing, dancing, laughing, and celebrating are defiance. The positivity that radiated off the No Kings protests denies the Trump administration from obstructing the nation’s energy. Together, this joy became its own form of resistance; a powerful reminder that even in the face of oppression, the spirit of the people cannot be dimmed.