Celebrities and Public Figures Who Supported the ‘No Kings’ Protests Against Trump

Thousands of Americans joined together in cities across the country on June 14, 2025, to participate in “No Kings” protests, a sweeping demonstration directly criticizing Donald Trump and his administration. These coordinated rallies coincided with a highly publicized military parade in Washington, D.C., marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, as well as President Trump’s birthday and Flag Day. The movement emerged in opposition to what organizers and supporters described as increasingly authoritarian actions by the administration, including heavy spending on displays of militarism while social programs face funding cuts and controversial shifts in immigration enforcement.

The “No Kings” protests were part of a nationwide campaign orchestrated by the 50501 Movement, which aspired to mobilize people in every state under one unified message: rejecting the notion of any American president acting with unchecked power. The phrase “No Kings” was intended as a clear rebuke to what protesters saw as Trump’s self-aggrandizing leadership style. Major cities such as Philadelphia witnessed particularly large crowds, with over 80,000 people gathering in that city alone to march from Love Park to the foot of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, underscoring the broad base of public engagement. This theme of resisting perceived authoritarianism drew Americans from many walks of life as well as a range of prominent celebrities who amplified the protest’s messages online and in person. For additional coverage on the Philadelphia rally, see NBC Philadelphia’s recap of the day’s events.

Among the most notable public figures to attend or endorse the protests were actors Mark Ruffalo and Susan Sarandon, who marched alongside thousands in New York. Ruffalo, in an interview with MSNBC, highlighted concerns about the state of American democracy, stating, “We have 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 Constitution.” He went on to express that those who marched did so out of deep love for the country and a commitment to solidarity.

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel also added his voice at a protest in Southern California, wearing a shirt emblazoned with “Make America Good Again!” and expressing on Instagram that he was moved by the outpouring from Americans determined to fight for justice and compassion throughout their communities. His social media post, using the #NoKings hashtag, echoed a central theme that the protests must be peaceful and rooted in love for fellow citizens.

Other prominent participants included actors Kerry Washington and Glenn Close; Washington attended a march with creative protest signs—one reading “The only monarch I like is a butterfly”—and posted her experience on Instagram, celebrating those advocating for democracy with the hashtag #NoKings. Glenn Close drew attention to robust turnout in Bozeman, Montana, through widely-shared photographs and videos.

Music and entertainment figures were also represented. The White Lotus star Natasha Rothwell carried a sign stating, “You are trash,” punctuating her post with “NO KINGS.” Musician Moby took to Instagram, urging followers to organize, vote, and avoid in-fighting in the battle to “protect democracy,” while singer Olivia Rodrigo offered a statement of solidarity focused on the impacts of stepped-up immigration raids in Los Angeles. She emphasized the value of immigrant communities and linked to an ACLU resource page outlining immigrant rights.

Younger celebrities such as Ayo Edebiri of The Bear and singer Gracie Abrams offered support by sharing protest images and messages to their Instagram followers, helping to boost awareness among younger demographics and extending the reach of the day’s message.

Throughout these protests, social media was abuzz with images, videos, and commentary, helping to spread the movement’s message far beyond the streets. Many organizers and attendees used the #NoKings hashtag to foster a sense of community and amplify calls for Americans to protest, vote, and stand against any efforts to undermine constitutional democracy. For insights into some memorable protest signs and further information on the nationwide events, readers can visit additional reports from indy100 and coverage on Colorado rallies.

The “No Kings” protests, ultimately, became a prominent public statement against perceived authoritarianism—served by celebrity involvement and grassroots turnout alike—as participants rallied to assert that in the United States, the principles of democracy and equality remain non-negotiable.