Redlands joined cities across the Inland Empire on Saturday in a nationwide call for democracy and resistance to authoritarian rule.
The free event will feature decorated planes, food trucks, candy, and family fun from 3 to 6 p.m.
Redlands joined cities across the Inland Empire on Saturday in a nationwide call for democracy and resistance to authoritarian rule.
REDLANDS, Calif. — Thousands of protesters packed the streets of downtown Redlands on Saturday to rally against the policies of President Donald Trump.
Stretching down Orange Street from Al Harris Lane to Vine Street and west as far as Eureka Street, an estimated 3,000 people spilled out of the intersection known as Peace Corner — Orange Street and Redlands Boulevard — a figure organizers said was confirmed by Redlands police.
The energized crowd, made up of people of all ages, ethnicities and orientations, chanted, held signs and danced for over two hours. The sound of honking cars was nearly constant, with each blast of a horn met by cheers from the crowd.
The Redlands event was part of the nationwide No Kings rallies, one of more than a dozen gatherings across the Inland Empire. It marked the second national No Kings protest of the Trump administration.
Organizers said Saturday’s size and spirit reflected “what’s at stake for democracy.”
“This is our community — they’re asking us to do this, and we’re answering,” said Lorraine Enriquez, president of the Redlands Area Democratic Club. “They all have something to say — they can’t pay for groceries, they can’t pay their rent, they’re on Social Security, they have families to feed, and they don’t like what’s happening to this country.”
Enriquez said this protest felt noticeably different from the one held four months earlier.
“It’s louder, there’s music, there’s crazy costumes — it’s more festive and happier,” she said.
The No Kings organization is a grassroots coalition advocating for civic empowerment and opposition to authoritarianism. Organizers say the movement seeks to reaffirm that “power belongs to the people — not to kings, thrones or crowns,” echoing the themes of previous Redlands protests.
Saturday’s rally was organized locally by the Redlands Area Democratic Club and Together for Redlands.
“Our community sees the ongoing national destruction... and it’s become personal” said Tracy Wise from the Redlands Area Democratic Club
Tracy Wise, with the Area Democrats, said residents turned out because they are “afraid and angry and want to say something.”
“Our community sees the ongoing national destruction,” Wise said. “They’re aware of what’s going on, and it’s become personal — with threats to their health care and fear that their neighbors might be snatched up at any moment.”
Redlands City Council member Denise Davis also attended Saturday’s rally.
“Our democracy is on the line,” Davis said. “A lot of people have shown up to make sure our constitutional rights are protected. There’s so much happening in this country right now that’s impacting our day-to-day lives. I’m really encouraged to see so many residents show up and speak out.”
Amanda and Mike, a Redlands couple who also attended the June protest, said this event drew “way more people.”
“The crowd and the energy gave us hope that we’re on the same page,” Amanda said.
According to national organizers, No Kings rallies took place in about 2,600 locations nationwide on Saturday, from small towns to major cities. Demonstrations across the country called for the protection of democratic institutions and accountability in government.
In a Fox News interview preview released Friday, Trump said he has “no such aspirations of royalty.”
"They're referring to me as a king. I'm not a king," Trump told Fox Business' Maria Bartiromo in an interview clip released Friday.
But on Saturday, the president shared a video on his Truth Social account depicting himself dressed as a king, flying a jet labeled King Trump over New York City and dumping a brown liquid over protesters. The video quickly drew widespread criticism online, including from participants in the No Kings rallies, who called it an example of the movement’s message.
As the sun set over Orange Street, protesters lifted handmade signs reading “We the People” and “No Kings.” Cars passing through downtown honked in solidarity — a sound that lingered long after the rally ended.
Photos by Stephanie Hastings-Miranda / Community Forward Redlands unless otherwise noted. Have a photo to share from this story? Email news@communityforwardredlands.com for credit information.
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