REUTERS/via SNO Sites/David Ryder
Demonstrators display Mexican and U.S. flags in front of mounted police at a protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's policies and federal immigration sweeps during a No Kings Day demonstration in Los Angeles, California, U.S., June 14, 2025. REUTERS/David Ryder
About 5 million people took to the streets Saturday in more than 2,000 organized “No Kings” protests, objecting to the policies of the Trump administration. According to the No Kings website, the demonstrations aimed to “reject authoritarianism” and promote the message “no thrones, no crowns, no kings.”
Protesters rallied in response to what many view as President Trump’s overreach of executive power, likening it to monarch-style rule. Critics of the administration cite illegal deportations, defiance of court orders, sweeping federal budget cuts, and infringements on civil rights as key concerns.
While the majority of demonstrations were peaceful, some turned violent. In Los Angeles, police deployed tear gas and used batons after agitators reportedly threw bricks and fireworks. The unrest followed nearby protests against ICE raids, which also escalated into clashes between demonstrators, local law enforcement and members of the National Guard. The Guard had been activated by Trump, who cited threats to national security.
In a separate but related development, Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed in what authorities described as a politically motivated attack shortly before the protests began. As of June 15, the suspect remains at large. Several No Kings events in the region were canceled due to safety concerns.
Despite isolated violence and tragedy, the day was largely seen as a peaceful yet forceful rejection of authoritarianism. The protests coincided with the nation’s first military parade, held on Trump’s birthday—a timing the president denies was intentional. Still, many viewed the parallel events as symbolic of rising public resistance to what they see as excessive presidential glorification, militarization and disregard for constitutional norms.
Though Saturday marked the largest single-day peaceful protest in recent American history, organizers say it is just the beginning. Additional events are in the works, and supporters are encouraged to continue speaking out. More information is available at nokings.org.