Historic 'No Kings' Protests: A Potential Turning Point in U.S. History

On June 14, 2025, the 'No Kings' protests erupted across several major U.S. cities, drawing estimates of between 4 and 6 million participants, making it potentially one of the largest single-day demonstrations in American history. This unprecedented turnout has sparked discussions among political scientists, historians, and protest organizers regarding its implications for future political action in the United States.

The protests were primarily organized to oppose the perceived authoritarian tendencies of former President Donald Trump, coinciding with his birthday, during which he celebrated with a military parade. According to G Elliott Morris, a data journalist who analyzed the turnout, the protest could represent 1.2% to 1.8% of the U.S. population, possibly exceeding the 2017 Women’s March, which had previously held the record for a single-day protest.

Morris's estimate was developed using a two-step methodology: first, gathering attendance data from multiple locations, relying on local media reports, and second, estimating turnout in unreported areas based on the median attendance of areas where data was available. He acknowledged that the numbers remain unofficial, but they align with estimates from Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, who suggested around 5 million participants globally.

Not all experts agree on the significance of these numbers. Jeremy Pressman, co-director of the Crowd Counting Consortium at Harvard University, cautioned that an official tally of such protests takes time and requires careful analysis. He referred to the historical context, noting that past protests, such as the 1963 March on Washington and Earth Day in 1970, had different contexts and implications, making direct comparisons challenging.

Omar Wasow, an assistant professor of political science at UC Berkeley, emphasized the psychological impact of such a significant turnout. He likened the protests to a standing ovation, where initial participants inspire others to join. He stated, "If 1.8% of the U.S. adult population showed up to protest on Saturday, those are the people who stood up to clap first. It sends a signal to all these other people that you can stand up, too."

The historical significance of the 'No Kings' protests was further analyzed through the lens of the 3.5% rule proposed by political scientists Erica Chenoweth and Maria Stephan. Their research indicates that nonviolent movements with the backing of at least 3.5% of a population have historically succeeded in driving change. However, Morris noted that while the 'No Kings' protests achieved a substantial turnout, this rule does not guarantee success, especially in complex political landscapes.

Gloria J Browne-Marshall, a professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, cautioned against overemphasizing the size of protests. She explained that crowd size estimation methods have evolved, and various factors can influence turnout, including the political climate and media coverage.

As the dust settles on the 'No Kings' protests, organizers are already planning future demonstrations, including a significant event on July 17, marking the fifth anniversary of the death of civil rights leader John Lewis. Levin emphasized that while large protests raise awareness, sustained grassroots organizing and civic engagement are crucial for enacting meaningful political change. He stated, "We need people actually taking democracy seriously, and that’s not going to be done through a top-down action. It has to be done from the bottom up."

The implications of the 'No Kings' protests extend beyond mere numbers. They signify a potential shift in the political landscape, driven by grassroots activism and public engagement. As the nation reflects on this historic event, it remains to be seen whether this mobilization will translate into substantial political change or if it will become another chapter in the ongoing struggle for democracy in America.