In a sweeping national demonstration of unity and resistance, millions gathered on Saturday for the No Kings Day of Defiance, the largest coordinated protest since President Donald Trump returned to office.
Taking place in over 2,100 cities and towns across the United States, the protests brought together families, workers, immigrants, and neighbors to affirm a powerful message: “We don’t answer to kings, and we will not be ruled by fear.”
From community block parties to massive city marches, the protests were intentionally peaceful, despite the Trump administration and several Republican governors deploying military personnel in anticipation. Organizers reported an unexpected surge in turnout, with over 5 million participants—nearly 2 million more than April’s “Hands Off” protests.
“They brought joy, drums, banners, and faith. They came not to clash—but to claim what is ours: the right to gather, to speak, and to rise. And rise we did—with dignity, love, and powerful resolve,” organizers wrote.
Major cities saw tens of thousands in attendance, including 200,000 in New York and over 100,000 in Philadelphia. Even small towns joined the national call: Pentwater, Michigan, with a population of 800, saw 400 people take to the streets.
In a public statement, the No Kings Coalition reflected on the day’s impact:
“Today, across red states and blue, rural towns and major cities, Americans stood in peaceful unity and made it clear: we don’t do kings. While Trump and MAGA-aligned governors wasted public dollars on riot gear and fear tactics, the people brought hope, humor, and harmony. A national act of joyful resistance. This administration disappears people while cutting their care—slashing healthcare, gutting education, and criminalizing immigrants instead of delivering dignity. But today was a reminder: we are still here. Still organizing. Still rising. Still unafraid. We don’t do kings in this country. We do solidarity. We do community. We do justice—and we do it together.”
Despite its peaceful mission, the day was marred by tragedy in Minnesota, where State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were shot and killed, and State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette were critically wounded in what authorities described as an act of targeted political violence.
The coalition responded swiftly:
“We are heartbroken by the shooting in Minnesota… Our prayers are with their families, their communities, and all those grieving.”
Out of caution and respect, organizers canceled all remaining events in Minnesota, following guidance from Governor Tim Walz and local authorities.
In closing, the coalition reaffirmed its core values:
“We honor the leadership of those impacted by this act of political violence by doubling down on our commitment to peace, unity, and democratic freedom. We call on every community—across race, faith, and difference—to reject hate of all forms and stand together against political violence.”
The No Kings Coalition remains committed to nonviolence and has pledged to continue organizing with a focus on justice, dignity, and collective power.
