Philly leads national wave of No Kings protests

On Saturday, thousands gathered in Philadelphia for the “No Kings” protest, marching from Love Park to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The rally, part of a nationwide movement encompassing over 1,800 demonstrations, was organized by more than 200 advocacy organizations and unions to oppose President Trump’s policies and military displays. First-time protestor Elijah B criticized Trump as a racist dictator, while actor Michael Carpenter highlighted concerns over Trump’s criminal past. Marchers filled the streets, chanting slogans and celebrating democracy amid speeches from figures like Martin Luther King III, who emphasized non-violence. Despite the fervor, speakers failed to provide specific policy proposals, focusing instead on general discontent and community solidarity.

The event also showcased various causes, with flags and signs representing different issues, including immigration concerns. As the crowd thinned by 2:30 p. m. , the protest demonstrated significant opposition to the Trump administration but left participants without a clear path forward. Overall, the “No Kings” protest illustrated the widespread discontent with current governance while lacking actionable next steps.