In a powerful wave of civic action, data analyst G. Elliott Morris estimates that 4–6 million people participated in “No Kings” protests across over 2,000 U.S. cities on June 14, 2025 — making it potentially the largest one‑day demonstration in U.S. history. The movement, led by grassroots groups like 50501 and supported by the ACLU and Indivisible, deliberately avoided protests in D.C. to decentralize civic action and empower local voices

Inspired by earlier “Hands Off !” rallies, which saw 3–5 million protests in April, “No Kings” coincided with Donald Trump’s 79th birthday and a military parade in Washington — yet far outpaced it in turnout. Advocates point to the 3.5% rule: scholars say when more than 3.5% of the population mobilizes, real change is possible. While “No Kings” hit about 1.2–1.8%, it marks a significant first step toward sustained civic pressure .

Despite some clashes in cities like L.A. and Salt Lake City, the protests were mostly peaceful, with organizers emphasizing unity over polarization. Now the challenge is clear: translate mass turnout into lasting change through grassroots organizing—not a single day in the streets.

Civic action of this scale is rare—but right now, it’s happening.