Thousands of Americans, including numerous celebrities, took to the streets on Saturday in what organisers are calling the largest coordinated protest since Donald Trump returned to the White House in January. Branded the ‘No Kings’ movement, demonstrations broke out across the country, with participants voicing concerns over what they see as a decline in democratic norms under President Trump’s leadership.
Braving heavy rain in New York City, acclaimed actor and activist Mark Ruffalo marched alongside thousands down Fifth Avenue. Speaking with MSNBC, the Avengers star didn’t hold back in his criticism of the current administration. “We see our democracy is in real trouble,” Ruffalo said. “We see a president who has made himself a king and dictator, and we don’t see an opposition that’s powerful enough to stand up against the trampling of our rights and the Constitution.”
He further condemned the administration’s alleged overreach, citing executive orders, defiance of court rulings, and the treatment of immigrants. “It’s happening every single day… the kidnapping of immigrants, people who are here legally, people whose children are being taken from them,” he added.
The protests coincided with two major events: President Trump’s 79th birthday and a grand military parade in Washington, D.C. honoring the founding of the U.S. Army. The juxtaposition was stark, with demonstrators wielding signs like “No KKKings,” “No crown for the clown,” and “The Trump fascist regime must go now!”
In cities across the country, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and even smaller towns like Woodstock, citizens of all backgrounds joined in solidarity.
Celebrities at ‘No Kings Day’ protest
Singer Gracie Abrams posted photos of protest signs to her stories, including one with a quote from Archbishop Desmond Tutu, “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” Actress Gina Rodriguez-LoCicero joined a smaller protest in Woodstock, writing, “When in Woodstock, tiny town don’t stay quiet! #NoKingsDay The OGs are out!”
Meanwhile, Mary Elizabeth Ellis of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia shared videos from the streets of L.A., captioning, “Felt great to peacefully protest this administration in the streets today with fellow Los Angelenos. #LA always shows up.” Other notable figures who took part or posted in solidarity included Glenn Close, Anna Kendrick, Tessa Thompson, Evanescence’s Amy Lee, and The Traitors star Bob the Drag Queen.