Redlands joins nationwide ‘No Kings’ protest against Trump policies

REDLANDS, Calif. — Redlands, a city President Trump made gains in the 2024 election, became a stage for protest Saturday as hundreds gathered at Peace Corner to join thousands nationwide for “No Kings Day”—a coordinated demonstration against what organizers describe as rising authoritarianism under President Trump.

The Redlands protest, which took place at the intersection of Orange Street and Redlands Boulevard and extended along both streets, was part of a nationwide movement that unfolded at more than 2,000 locations across all 50 states.

Timed to coincide with President Trump’s 79th birthday, Flag Day and a military parade in Washington, D.C. marking the Army’s 250th anniversary, the Redlands event remained peaceful.

Participants were encouraged to wear white, wave American flags, and carry handmade signs to voice opposition to authoritarian rule and support for democratic principles.

The movement was organized by 50501, a coalition of grassroots groups whose name stands for “50 states, 50 protests, one movement.” Backed by national organizations such as Indivisible and the American Civil Liberties Union, the effort was promoted as a “day of defiance” aimed at resisting executive overreach and reaffirming constitutional values.

“This isn’t just about one day—it’s about resisting the normalization of authoritarian behavior,” said one local organizer. “No matter where we live, we have a responsibility to speak out.”

Redlands demonstrators echoed sentiments heard nationwide. Many held signs reading “No Thrones, No Crowns, No Kings,” and chanted slogans demanding accountability and transparency. Attendees expressed alarm over ongoing immigration raids, attacks on civil rights and what they view as the erosion of American institutions.

“We’re here because the corruption has gone too far,” said one protester, who declined to be named, attending with family. “The military parade, the rhetoric, the threats—it’s all part of a pattern that can’t be ignored.”

Organizers emphasized that the protests were not against the military parade itself, which has drawn both praise and criticism, but instead sought to refocus national attention on the power of the people.

President Trump, speaking at a bill signing event Thursday in the White House East Room, addressed the protests by saying, “I don’t feel like a king. I have to go through hell to get stuff approved. … We’re not a king at all.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Wednesday that Trump “absolutely supports peaceful protests. He supports the First Amendment. He supports the right of Americans to make their voices heard,” while condemning violence.

“No Kings Day is about restoring the balance of power in a democracy that belongs to the people—not to any one man,” said a spokesperson for 50501. “By protesting locally, we’re showing that this resistance isn’t limited to big cities or coastal elites. It’s happening in Redlands, Tulsa, Boise—everywhere. Americans from all walks of life are standing up today to say: No thrones. No crowns. No kings.”

With events ranging from mass marches in Los Angeles to candlelight vigils in rural towns, “No Kings Day” is being hailed by organizers as the largest single-day protest effort since Trump’s return to office.

“We’re not just making noise,” said one Redlands participant. “We’re building something—community by community.”