Introduction to the Protests

Thousands of protesters across Southern California took to the streets Saturday for “No Kings” demonstrations to voice their disssaproval of President Trump as part of a nationwide effort to push back against what they believe is government overreach.

Background of the Protests

In June, millions of demonstrators rallied across the nation for the first “No Kings” protests as the Trump administration’s agenda began coming into focus. At that time, the Department of Homeland Security had begun carrying out large-scale immigration raids across Southern California, and Trump deployed military troops to Los Angeles in response to mass protests. Since then, many Americans believe that Trump’s actions — doubling down on immigration raids in major cities, deploying National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., and embarking on an aggressive campaign against political opponents — have only become more severe.

Trump’s Response

Trump pushed back against the underlying premise of the protest in an interview with Fox News on Friday. “They’re referring to me as a king,” he said. “I’m not a king.”

The Protests Unfold

At Grand Park in Downtown Los Angeles hundreds had started to gather around a group of Native American dancers midday as the protest began to take shape. Many held signs criticizing Trump both for his political stances and his personal character. Some were draped in LGBTQ+, Mexican and American flags. A cohort of people in inflatable costumes—dinosaurs, chickens and sharks— strolled through the crowd, an adoption of a recent strategy undertaken by protesters in Oregon meant to ease tensions and signal nonviolence.

Voices of the Protesters

“He has a plan, and we’re seeing it unfold,” a protester named Greg, who declined to provide his last name out of fear of retaliation, told The Times. “The whole country is run like a mafia, where everybody pays the Trumps… That’s the way it used to be when we had a king, and then we came here to the United States and formed our own government—a democracy—and we have to fight for it again.”

Protests Across Southern California

In Long Beach, thousands of protesters packed the bluffs along Ocean Boulevard holding signs that read “No Kings” and “Veto The Cheeto.” Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Long Beach) posed for a photograph with another attendee holding a sign that read “Fascists have small dictators.” “NO KINGS in Long Beach,” he wrote on X. “So proud of our city for turning out and opposing Trump.”

Nationwide Participation

More than 2,700 “No Kings” demonstrations are scheduled across the country, roughly 600 more events than in June, in which more than 5 million people participated. Demonstrations are already underway in New York, Chicago, Atlanta and Boston, drawing massive crowds.

Broadening the Scope

In an attempt to broaden the scope of “No Kings,” organizers are appealing to Americans upset over the rising cost of living, gutting of environmental protections, sweeping overhauls of federal agencies, and the government shutdown over looming healthcare cuts. In Orange County, demonstrators are expected to arrive at Centennial Park in Santa Ana on Saturday afternoon to protest not only Trump’s immigration actions, but also his policies on healthcare, environmental protections and education.

Organizers’ Goals

“We the People have had enough of the illegal actions being carried out by this sham administration,” Amy Stevens, one of the Orange County demonstration’s organizers, said in a statement. “Change starts from the bottom up.” Organizers say the goal of “No Kings” goes beyond just getting Americans out on the streets, hoping to connect people who are upset and frustrated with the Trump administration to local organizing groups.

Connecting People to Action

“Getting involved in those groups, making those face to face connections and joining them will have a much larger impact over the next few days, the next few weeks, next few months, the next few years, than just one day of protest,” said Hunter Dunn, a spokesman for 50501, one of the “No Kings” coalition’s core organizing partners.

Calls for Peaceful Protest

California Gov. Gavin Newsom urged protesters to demonstrate peacefully saying in a statement on X that “our strength is in our unity.” “The values Americans cherish are under assault by [Donald Trump],” he said. “THIS IS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and California will keep peacefully pushing back against the Trump Administration’s authoritarian takeover.”

Conclusion

The "No Kings" protests across Southern California and the nation mark a significant moment in the resistance against the Trump administration’s policies and actions. As thousands gather to voice their dissent, the movement aims not only to express disapproval but to galvanize a broader movement for change, connecting individuals with local organizing groups to foster lasting impact.

FAQs

• Q: What are the "No Kings" protests about?
  A: The "No Kings" protests are a nationwide effort to push back against what protesters believe is government overreach by the Trump administration.
• Q: How many demonstrations are scheduled across the country?
  A: More than 2,700 "No Kings" demonstrations are scheduled.
• Q: What issues are the protests addressing?
  A: The protests are addressing a range of issues including immigration raids, deployment of National Guard troops, healthcare cuts, environmental protections, and the rising cost of living.
• Q: How can individuals get involved beyond attending the protests?
  A: Individuals can get involved by connecting with local organizing groups, participating in community events, and advocating for policy changes at the local and national levels.