Published: : October 20, 2025, 12:07 PM
The nationwide “No Kings” protest movement continues to draw growing participation from across the United States, with actors and filmmakers once again joining demonstrators in major cities, including Los Angeles and New York City, during rallies held last Saturday.
Organizers say the protests are aimed specifically at President Donald Trump and what they describe as his anti-democratic policies. Marchers carried placards denouncing political overreach and warning against the return of authoritarian-style leadership in American governance.
Spike Lee shared an image from a New York rally, urging followers to “get up, stand up.” Jamie Lee Curtis posted scenes from the streets, praising “Democracy in action.” Ben Stiller amplified protest imagery with a tongue-in-cheek sign reading, “No Kings except for Knicks player Jalen Brunson.” Mark Ruffalo, ahead of the weekend gatherings, called on Americans to join one of more than 2,500 protests nationwide, reminding supporters that “courage is contagious.”
In Los Angeles, Writers Guild of America West president Michele Mulroney addressed a crowd, warning that free speech was under direct threat. She pointed to recent disruptions of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel Live! as examples of pressure on dissenting media voices.
“This isn’t just about Hollywood,” she said. “It’s about the fundamental right to disagree with those in power. To debate. To reason. To question authority.”
Mulroney vowed that writers would continue to “speak our minds, write our truths, and fight like hell for an independent media.”
The “No Kings” protests have been gaining traction over recent months. A previous nationwide gathering took place on June 14, just hours before a military parade for the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary in Washington. Organizers say more demonstrations are being planned as the movement expands.
