The “No Kings” Protests: A Growing Movement in the Face of Controversy
The organizers behind the nationwide “No Kings” protests are gearing up for their fourth demonstration during President Donald Trump’s second term, with expectations of a larger turnout than previous rallies.
Ezra Levin, a co-founder of the progressive group Indivisible and rally organizer, shared in a recent interview that the upcoming “No Kings 3” protest on March 28 is a direct response to what he describes as a “secret police force terrorizing American communities.”
“It’s unfortunately not shocking to us that this unaccountable police force is engaging in unlawful activities across the nation, and it’s heartening to see people taking a stand against it,” Levin stated. “Our aim is to protect American democracy, safeguard our communities, and support those who are under threat from this administration.”
Protests have become a hallmark of both terms of President Trump’s presidency, with Indivisible estimating that around 3 million people participated in their “Hands Off” rally in April 2025. The first “No Kings” protest in June drew 5 million attendees, while a later demonstration in October attracted 7 million. Organizers are now setting their sights on an ambitious target of nearly 9 million participants for the March event.
Levin noted that the planning for the protest began before the tragic incidents involving the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were both killed by immigration officers in Minnesota. He described the situation unfolding in the Midwest as “tragic and horrific.”
Yet, amidst these tragedies, Levin expressed a sense of optimism: “It’s inspiring to see that, even when political leaders, both within and outside this regime, show cowardice or lean towards fascist sympathies, everyday people are not standing idly by.”
Unsurprisingly, Trump and his Republican allies have not been supportive of these demonstrations. In anticipation of the October protests, Speaker Mike Johnson dismissed them as “hate America” rallies, while Trump’s “war room” account shared a satirical image of the president adorned with a crown.
To ensure the safety of participants, Levin indicated that organizers are implementing various precautionary measures, including de-escalation training sessions. The group recently conducted a workshop focusing on non-violent documentation techniques for the public. During the last “No Kings” protest, Indivisible trained thousands of volunteer marshals to uphold non-violent principles.
Levin argued that this approach has proven effective, as major cities reported zero arrests during the previous “No Kings” demonstration. However, he acknowledged the inherent risks involved in participating. “Given the regime’s behavior, it’s only natural for everyone to be concerned,” he said. “I can’t assure anyone that showing up to exercise your constitutional rights is without risk. It’s a sad reality to acknowledge in 2026 America, but it’s the truth.”
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