Nearly seven million protesters swept the country last weekend at nearly 2,700 locations for the second round of “No Kings” demonstrations. The rallies protested Donald Trump’s presidency, specifically calling for an end to his trade war, state-sponsored ICE Raids, and overuse of executive power.
Demonstrators turned out in all 50 states, and across the world, with protests also being held in Europe, Panama, and Australia. Protesters dressed up in costumes and crafted unique signs denouncing Trump as a “monarch” and a “king,” with many calling for the end of his presidency. The protests were organized by nokings.org, the organizational founder of the movement, with word of the rallies being spread through social media, word of mouth, and news organizations.
The Bay Area saw 31 different protests, accounting for upward of 160,000 demonstrators.
Two protesters drive by holding posters.
Palo Alto
In Palo Alto, protesters gathered at the intersection of El Camino Real and Embarcadero at 11:30 a.m. and began walking towards Rinconada Park at 1:00 p.m. for a No Kings Democracy Fair, which lasted until 4:00 p.m.
Protesters gathered on sidewalks and green spaces, voicing their opposition to the Trump administration through coordinated chants for “Democracy!” Scattered among the park were information booths highlighting a range of issues—from LGBTQ+ rights to unannounced ICE raids—while live musicians sang songs like “Farewell to Kings” by Rush, which preached patriotism and freedom. Mark Berman, the 23rd Assembly District representative, attended the Rinconada Park protest, posting a video on Instagram soon after.
Steve Wagman, a safety officer at Rinconada Park, explained that he came out to express his desire for better governance. “We’re just trying to get the word out that we’re not thrilled with the administration,” he said. “We’re trying to make changes and do it peacefully.”
Mary Watson, a member of Menlo Park Speaks Out, a group that protests in the name of Democracy every Sunday, explained that her concerns with the US weren’t limited to the Trump administration. “One of the biggest problems we have in this country is that people do not vote,” she said. “It’s pathetic.”
Xavier Martinez, a freshman at M-A, was one of the many students who joined the demonstrations. “The government should do its best to help its citizens rather than force its citizens to serve it,” he said. He voiced support for changes to U.S. policy regarding Palestine, immigration, and healthcare.
“Generally, queer rights, abortion, and the whole ‘Tylenol causes autism’ thing,” M-A freshman Eliora Olson added as issues they care about, referencing Trump’s September statement on autism. “Stop saying things that you don’t have any evidence and aren’t true,” she added, speaking to Trump. “Think before you say stupid things.”
Hillsdale
Hillsdale’s protest began at 1 p.m. and ran until 3 p.m., attracting a wide variety of demonstrators. Children walked the streets holding signs, while a nearby senior home joined in, waving flags.
Rose Vela, a community member, said that she came out to protest to represent the struggles of the Latinx community. “I’m a Latina, and so I’m trying to represent my people,” she said. “The ugliness we’re seeing is not good. It’s evil.” Her message for Trump was clear: “Step down,” she said.
Laure M., another community member, was similarly critical of the Trump administration. “There are many, many, many thousands of people not for this administration,” she said. “I thought you were for the people,” she added, referring to Trump. “I thought you loved America. Stop blaming Democrats.”
Many complaints centered on executive overreach, arguing that the Trump administration had violated the ideals of democracy. Lori Wick, a community member and parent, shared that idea. “I want democracy to live on for my children,” she said. “Trump, please get back to our founding fathers’ vision.”
Hillsdale protesters walk with signs on the sidewalk.
Redwood City
Redwood City’s protests were held at the County Center from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and protesters shared many of the earlier sentiments. Demonstrators showed up with colorful signs, and one protester even showed up with a huge paper-maché figure of Trump.
Melissa McDonald, a community member, said she came out because of her belief in the First Amendment. “I’m here because I don’t like what’s happening in this country. Our freedom of speech is under attack,” she said. “There’s such an erosion of everything we care about as Americans. This is how authoritarianism takes hold.” She also clarified that the protests were peaceful, not violent. “This is not a ‘hate America’ protest. This is a ‘love America’ protest.”
Brian Coan, another demonstrator, was equally frustrated about the state of the nation. “I’m here to resist the attack on Democracy being perpetrated,” he said. “These policies are not popular with the majority.” His call to action wasn’t just for Trump specifically, but for everyone with governmental power. “Honor the Constitution,” Coan added.
Some protesters expressed concerns over specific issues. Coan was especially critical of Trump’s dismantling of the Department of Education. “I have a daughter that teaches special needs kids. She’s very concerned with the changes to the Department of Education and how that affects her students,” Coan said.
Senator Josh Becker gives a speech in Redwood City. 
Protesters dress up in creative costumes. 
Protesters gathered at Town and Country in Palo Alto. 
A protester holds up a sign reading “Because I Follow Jesus, I Can’t Follow Trump.” 
Two protesters hug. 
Protesters gather in a crowd at Hillsdale. 
A protester holds up a sign reading “I Love America ≠ I hate Autocrats.” 
“No Kings” protesters demonstrate beside the Embarcadero. 
A protester holds up a sign reading “Pro-America, Pro-Democracy, Anti-Trump.” 
A protester holds up a sign reading “This is the only border crisis Trump should be worried about.” 
Protesters listen to live music at Rinconada Park. 
Two protesters walk with their signs near Hillsdale Mall.
