Thousands of Americans took to the streets on Saturday in what organizers are calling the largest wave of protests since President Donald Trump returned to office in January. Celebrities including Mark Ruffalo, Jimmy Kimmel, Glenn Close, Kerry Washington, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Ayo Edebiri, Gracie Abrams, Anna Kendrick, Tessa Thompson and many others joined the No Kings movement. The protests were staged in stark contrast to a grand military parade held in Washington, DC, to commemorate the founding of the US Army. The event also coincided with the president’s 79th birthday. Demonstrators wielded signs with messages such as “No KKKings,” “No crown for the clown,” and “The Trump fascist regime must go now!”In New York City, thousands braved heavy rain to march down Fifth Avenue, and among them was ‘Avengers’ actor Mark Ruffalo. The actor, who is known to voice his political views and champion several social causes, spoke to MSNBC, saying, “Because we see our democracy is in real trouble. We see a president who has made himself a king and dictator, and we don’t see an opposition that’s powerful enough to stand up against the trampling of our rights and the trampling of the Constitution.”He continued, “It’s happening every single day with executive orders, with the refusal to obey court orders, kidnapping of immigrants—people who are here legally—people whose children are being taken from them. We’re disgusted and we’re scared, and we know that the only way to fight this now is for the people to come together.”In San Francisco, talk show host Jimmy Kimmel also joined protesters in alongside his parents. Sharing a photo on his Instagram handle, he wrote, “A huge, inspiring and yes — peaceful — turnout. I met many people who love this country and still believe it to be a force for good. Most of all, I’m grateful for my parents, who taught me that the most important words ever spoken are ‘Love one another.’ It really is as simple as that.”Musicians and actors across the country also lent their voices to the movement. White Lotus star Natasha Rothwell held a sign and joined the rally. Sharing a photo of herself, she wrote, “NO KINGS.” The Bear star Ayo Edebiri also joined protestors and shared a message of solidarity on her Instagram Story with a sign that read, “I love you & I have your back! Stay brave!”Singer Gracie Abrams posted photos of protest signs to her stories, including, “Free speech is not an insurrection” and “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor”—a quote attributed to Archbishop Desmond Tutu.Actress Gina Rodriguez-LoCicero posted from a protest in Woodstock, writing, “When in Woodstock, tiny town don’t stay quiet! #NoKingsDay The OGs are out!” Meanwhile, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia actress Mary Elizabeth Ellis shared videos from the streets of Los Angeles, captioning, “Felt great to peacefully protest this administration in the streets today with fellow Los Angelenos. #LA always shows up.”Glenn Close, Anna Kendrick, Tessa Thompson, Amy Lee of Evanescence, and The Traitors contestant Bob the Drag Queen were also among those posting live from protests around the country.Comedian Kathy Griffin shared an image of veteran actress Morgan Fairchild protesting with the caption, “Yep, that’s our gal.”While the vast majority of demonstrations remained peaceful, New York police reported at least four arrests at a smaller protest targeting the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. This follows outrage over the Trump administration’s March expulsion of over 250 Venezuelans to a mega-prison in El Salvador, accused—without trial—of ties to the Tren de Aragua gang, which the government has declared a terrorist organization.
