The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for June 18, 2025
Organizers estimate more than 5 million Americans attended the more than 2,000 “No Kings” rallies around the U.S. on June 14th. It’s likely to be in the top five mass protests of all time.
Protesters decried President Donald Trump’s overreach in executive orders, dismantling of voting rights and civil rights, depriving due process, and his restrictions on federal elections among many grievances. One independent estimate put the turnout between 4.6 and 6 million Americans.
During the flagship rally in Philadelphia, where an estimated 80,000 flooded the plaza near the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers said, “Our founders … said ‘no’ to kings 250 years ago, precisely because they believed in the consent of the governed. Although they were far from perfect they did believe in the values we try to make real today: Freedom, liberty, justice and opportunity for all.”
Rallies were almost all peaceful, but marred by the politically-motivated murders of a former Minnesota state House speaker and her husband, a deliberate car attack in Virginia, and a late-day clash between police and a handful of protesters in Los Angeles.
The Declaration for American Democracy has announced plans for nationwide “Good Trouble Lives On” rallies for July 17, remembering Congressman John Lewis.
We’ve linked a video of Philadelphia’s rally at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
PBS NewsHour – Millions turn out nationwide for ‘No Kings’ protests against Trump administration
Rolling Stone (via Yahoo News) – Trump Parade Turnout Swamped by Millions Who Protested at ‘No Kings’ Rallies
USA Today – ‘No Kings’ organizers say protests drew large crowds: Here are their estimates
The Guardian – Los Angeles police fire teargas to disperse crowds at Trump protest
NBC News 10 Phildelphia – Recap: ‘No Kings’ rally ends in Philly after thousands march against Trump
50501 / NoKings.org – Live Stream of No Kings Rally in Philadelphia
Groups Taking Action:
50501, Indivisible, Declaration for American Democracy, Partners in No Kings Rally
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State
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