SPRINGFIELD, Mo., June 14, 2025
Thousands Protest “No Kings”
A massive demonstration in Springfield, Missouri, joined a national day of protest against perceived authoritarianism.
An estimated 2,000 or more people flooded Chestnut Expressway on the morning of Saturday, June 14, as part of a nationwide “No Kings” protest. The air vibrated with chants supporting democracy and signs denouncing President Donald Trump‘s administration.
- Protests occurred in over 1,500 cities nationwide.
- Demonstrations coincided with Trump’s birthday, Flag Day, and the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary.
- Protesters later joined the Ozarks Pridefest Pride Parade.
What prompted the demonstrations in Springfield? The “No Kings” protests in Springfield, Missouri, were part of a larger national movement opposing President Trump and what organizers called authoritarian tendencies.
‘No Kings” protest in downtown Springfield draws estimated 2,000+
Part of a national day of mobilization, the protests were scheduled the same day as President Trump’s military parade in Washington, D.C.
Starting around 9:30 a.m. protesters gathered, and until 11 a.m.,cars drove by,honking horns,raising peace signs,and cheering on those along the street. Signs included calls for Trump too be removed, allusions to past events, and a push to reclaim the country “not his kingdom.”
Did you know?-The “No Kings” protest name is a reference to the phrase “No king but Jesus,” a historical slogan used during the American Revolution to reject British rule.
Pride Parade Integration
The Springfield event was one of more than 1,500 similar gatherings planned across the United States on June 14.These protests aimed to oppose Trump and what organizers viewed as authoritarianism. The date also aligned with trump’s 79th birthday, Flag Day, and the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary.
Jowanna Catt, an organizer with Stop Project 2025 USA, expressed being “overwhelmed” by the turnout, estimating that the count coudl reach 3,000 people by the end of the Chestnut protest. The protesters then joined the Ozarks Pridefest Pride Parade into Downtown Springfield.
Kary Stowe, with Community Together 417, coordinated the “No Kings” message joining the Pride Parade, estimating 2,200 participants in the march.
Did you know? Missouri governor mike Kehoe signed an executive order on Thursday, June 12, activating the Missouri national Guard as a precaution ahead of the protests and Pridefest, despite no immediate threats of violence.
Reader question:-How do you think events like these impact local communities and the national political landscape?
Ahead of the event, Ozarks Pridefest confirmed that protesters could peacefully participate in the parade before dispersing before entering park Central Square.
Smaller Protest in South Springfield
A second protest, organized by Greater Springfield Indivisible, saw roughly 150 participants along East Battlefield Road between Fremont and Glenstone avenues at 10 a.m.on June 14. Michael Florence, chair of Greater Springfield Indivisible, estimated a few hundred people participated in total.
florence said he was pleased with the turnout, stating, “I’m happy with the turnout and I think people turning out, it doesn’t matter where thay’re turning out at, I think it’s crucial.”
The Greater Springfield Indivisible protest was extended until 2 p.m. to allow the “No Kings” group a place to continue protesting after the parade. Florence emphasized the importance of speaking out through protesting or contacting local Congressional representatives.
Pro tip:-When attending a protest, bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and be aware of your surroundings. It’s also wise to have a buddy and a plan in case of unexpected events.
Despite the heat, protesters shouted “No kings in America” and displayed signs supporting science, Social security, veteran benefits, and immigrants.
During the period the media was present, some drivers cheered or honked, while a few offered thumbs-down gestures. No counter-protesters were observed at that time.
Among the protesters was Vietnam War veteran David Webb. He shared that he never imagined he would later protest for the rights he fought to preserve.
“our county’s going downhill with the present administration. We’ve gotta dig it back out,” Webb said.
“keep coming out,folks. We need you,” he added.
Updated: June 14, 2025, 10:38 AM
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Reader question:-How do you think events like these impact local communities and the national political landscape?
Ahead of the event, Ozarks Pridefest confirmed that protesters coudl peacefully participate in the parade before dispersing before entering park Central Square.
A Deeper Look at the “No Kings” Movement
the “No Kings” protests, while specifically targeting the Trump administration, represent a broader sentiment: a rejection of perceived overreach and a defense of democratic principles. These protests,including the one in Springfield,echo past movements that have fought for freedom and self-governance.
How do the “No Kings” protests connect to the American Revolution? The name “No Kings” directly references the American Revolution’s slogan, “No king but Jesus.” This resonates with those who see Trump’s actions as mirroring the tyranny the colonists fought against.
The movement sought to highlight a range of concerns. These included worries about the erosion of democratic norms, the concentration of power, and the use of government resources. Participants frequently enough expressed a desire to protect civil rights and maintain checks and balances in government.
Case Study:-Consider the impact of similar protests in other cities. In Portland, Oregon, for example, large demonstrations also took place, resulting in increased civic engagement and a boost in voter registration. Similar effects were observed in cities like Chicago and New York.
Impact and Implications
The Springfield protests took place against a backdrop of rising political tensions across the United States. This raised crucial questions about the influence of such demonstrations on local communities and the national political arena.
What impact do these events have on local communities? Events like the “No Kings” protest can energize populations, promote civic participation, and impact local political discourse. Thay also serve as a reminder of the importance of active citizenship.
The integration of the protest with the ozarks Pridefest Pride Parade also highlighted the intersectionality of social justice movements.This combination underscored the common goals of defending democratic values and championing the rights of marginalized groups. Further, by marching together, these groups amplified their messages and fostered solidarity.
Looking ahead, it’s important to consider what actions people can take to sustain this momentum.
Actionable Steps to Support Democratic Values
- Stay Informed:-Keep up to date with local and national news from various sources.
- Engage:-contact your elected officials to express your views on current events.
- Participate:-Attend town hall meetings, vote in elections, and support organizations that align with your values.
- Educate:-Share information about democratic processes with others.
- Support:-Back candidates and organizations that promote civil liberties and human rights.
Myth vs.Fact:
Myth: Protests are ineffective and don’t lead to any real change.
fact: Protests can raise public awareness,influence policymakers,and inspire civic engagement,contributing to societal shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What specific issues were the protesters in Springfield most concerned about?
A: The protesters expressed alarm about the perceived decline of democratic procedures, the dominance of a few individuals, and possible government misuse of funds.
Q: How did the “No Kings” protest benefit from its connection with the Pride Parade?
A: This collaboration broadened the movement’s reach, demonstrating solidarity among various social justice causes. Both movements shared values of equality and inclusion.
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