Upholding Democracy: No Kings Day

Yesterday, on June 14, 2025, millions of Americans participated in coordinated demonstrations across the United States in what organizers called “No Kings Day.” The movement arose as a direct response to President Trump’s military parade in Washington, D.C., which featured tanks, jet flyovers, and speeches emphasizing “national order.” While the parade was promoted as a patriotic celebration, many viewed it as a symbol of growing executive overreach. The protests reflected broader public concern that democratic principles are being compromised by increasing authoritarian behavior, reduced institutional transparency, and the erosion of checks and balances.

According to the Los Angeles Times, more than 60,000 people gathered in downtown Los Angeles, where protestors marched past federal buildings guarded by National Guard troops. Signs reading “Democracy, Not Dynasty” and “No Crown, No Coronation” were common throughout the crowd. The Times also reported that the protest movement included a wide range of participants: students, teachers, veterans, immigrants, and religious leaders all appeared, calling attention to the shared importance of representative government. In coverage by NPR, demonstrations in San Francisco featured community-led teach-ins, legal clinics, and speakers highlighting concerns about executive overreach and diminished public trust in democratic institutions. One protestor described the political climate as “the closest we’ve been to authoritarianism in my lifetime,” reflecting a concern echoed across other regions (NPR Staff).

The New York Times reported that protests also took place in rural towns and suburbs, with many drawing from local civic groups and student organizations. In Helena, Montana, a group of high schoolers led a reading of the First Amendment outside their state capitol. In Nashville, activists organized workshops on constitutional law and voter suppression (Stack and Epstein). These examples emphasized the broad demographic and geographic spread of the movement.

Many protests were intentionally educational. Local groups coordinated voter registration booths, distributed informational pamphlets, and held public discussions about the structure of government. While participants expressed different concerns—from immigration enforcement to restrictions on press freedom—the central message remained consistent: the defense of democracy requires civic awareness and public engagement. Although the demonstrations were largely peaceful, some cities reported brief confrontations between protestors and police. Most protests included volunteer medics, legal observers, and trained organizers. Youth involvement was especially crucial and visible, with students managing logistics, creating digital advocacy tools, and leading chants, speeches, and discussions. Federal officials gave minimal public responses. Some called the protests exaggerated or politically motivated. But the scale, diversity, and coordination of No Kings Day underscored that a significant segment of the population sees the country's democratic foundations as under strain. 

No Kings Day was more than a reaction to a parade; it was a signal of increasing civic mobilization in response to perceived threats to democratic governance. Whether or not the movement generates long-term policy or institutional change remains to be seen. What is clear is that many Americans are choosing not to remain passive. They are organizing, educating, and showing upfor the broader principle that government should remain accountable to the people. Despite Erwin Chemerinsky's assertion that no democracy can uphold forever, perhaps there is hope in making ours last. 

Sources

Lau, Maya, et al. “Tens of Thousands Protest in L.A. and across U.S. in ‘No Kings Day’ Marches.” Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2025, www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-06-14/no-kings-day-la-protests. 

NPR Staff. “Thousands Join 'No Kings Day' Protests across U.S., Demanding Democratic Accountability.” NPR, 14 June 2025, www.npr.org/2025/06/14/no-kings-day-protests. 

Stack, Liam, and Reid J. Epstein. “Protests Erupt Nationwide on ‘No Kings Day’ as Democracy Concerns Mount.” The New York Times, 14 June 2025, www.nytimes.com/2025/06/14/us/no-kings-day-democracy.html.