News Summary
Millions of Americans participated in the second round of the ‘No Kings’ protests against President Trump’s consolidation of power. With at least 2,500 coordinated events, organizers estimated nearly 7 million demonstrators took part, emphasizing that political power belongs to the people. The protests, marked by chants and creative signs, occurred across various locations, including Jacksonville, Miami, and even small towns. Participants expressed their concerns about government corruption, healthcare access, and the safety of marginalized communities amidst an ongoing federal shutdown.
Jacksonville—Millions of Americans gathered across the country on Saturday for the second round of the national “No Kings” protests, which aimed to express opposition to President Donald Trump’s consolidation of power and authoritarian policies. Organized events took place in rural towns and major cities alike, with the movement emphasizing that political power belongs to the people, not to kings.
At least 2,500 coordinated protests occurred nationwide, a notable increase from the first gathering in June that featured 2,100 events. National organizers estimated that nearly 7 million Americans participated this time, highlighting a growing resistance against perceived authoritarianism amid a continuing federal government shutdown.
The main protest in Jacksonville commenced at 2 p.m., starting from the Friendship Fountain and concluding at the Duval County Courthouse. Thousands of participants were seen chanting slogans such as “Hey, hey, ho, ho, Donald Trump has got to go” while displaying creative signs. Local authorities reported no significant issues or confrontations during the event by 5 p.m.
In addition to Jacksonville, protests occurred in various Florida locations including St. Augustine, St. Johns County, Orange Park, Fernandina Beach, and Neptune Beach. Miami saw approximately 5,000 protesters near a monument welcoming immigrants, where counterprotesters from the Proud Boys group were quickly escorted away by police. Protests also took place in Tallahassee, St. Petersburg, Gainesville, and even in small towns like Sopchoppy, which saw around 30 participants.
Leaders of the movement, including co-founders of Indivisible, recognized the impressive turnout as a signal of ongoing resistance to authoritarianism and government corruption. Meanwhile, Trump responded mockingly to the protests by releasing a series of AI-generated videos and sharing a photo of himself wearing a crown.
The protests coincided with the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has now reached its third week due to disputes over Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies. Many demonstrators voiced their fears regarding Trump’s policies, especially in relation to the safety of the transgender community and the overall state of democracy in the United States.
Union members from 1199SEIU participated in the demonstrations, focusing on healthcare access and patient rights. Attendees at various protests expressed their concerns that Trump’s actions are unrepresentative of American values, reflecting widespread apprehensions about democracy’s future. Some activists shared personal narratives while others reused signs from previous protests, signifying the desire for progress.
The atmosphere at many locations remained peaceful, despite the presence of counterprotesters in some areas. Participants enjoyed a sense of community, with music and camaraderie prevalent amidst the protests while amplifying their causes through outreach efforts from numerous organizations.
The first “No Kings” protest, marked by the coincidence of Trump’s birthday and a military parade, attracted over 5 million participants on June 14. This substantial second gathering serves as a reminder of the significant and continuing mobilization among citizens against policies perceived to erode democratic norms in America.
As the nationwide protests illustrate, the movement is gaining traction, reflecting ongoing concerns among citizens regarding the current administration’s direction. The continuous mobilization appears to reaffirm a commitment to non-violent and lawful protest, even amidst the backdrop of significant political challenges.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Jacksonville to Host Major ‘No Kings Day’ Protests
Jacksonville to Host Nationwide Protests Against Trump
Nationwide ‘No Kings’ Protests Planned Against Trump Administration
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Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins to Address Community Concerns
Additional Resources
- Florida Phoenix: Florida Crowds Throng to Denounce Trump Facism on No Kings Day
- WESH: Thousands Gather for No Kings Protests in Central Florida
- The News-Press: No Kings Protest in Fort Myers, Florida
- Palm Beach Post: No Kings Protests Occur Across Florida
- CBS News: South Florida No Kings Protests
- Wikipedia: Protests in the United States
- Google Search: No Kings Protests
- Google Scholar: Authoritarianism in the US
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Protest
- Google News: Trump Protests
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
