No Kings Protests Draw 70,000 Nationwide Against Trump Actions

On June 17, approximately 70,000 people marched through downtown Seattle as part of the nationwide "No Kings" protests, which included over 2,000 coordinated actions across the United States. The demonstrations, timed to coincide with Flag Day and President Donald Trump's birthday, condemned what organizers describe as the administration's authoritarian policies, including immigration enforcement and plans for a military parade in Washington, D.C. Protesters emphasized rejecting the notion of Trump as a "king" and called for mass civic empowerment, with student groups, union representatives, and civic leaders speaking at events such as the march from Cal Anderson Park to Seattle Center. City and state officials, including Governor Bob Ferguson and Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, prepared for the large turnout by activating emergency operations and coordinating law enforcement to ensure safety while respecting First Amendment rights. Despite heightened tensions fueled by Trump's recent deployment of Marines to Los Angeles and threats to deploy National Guard troops in cities like Seattle, the protests remained peaceful with minimal law enforcement intervention. Washington State Solicitor General Noah Purcell urged citizens to remain defiant but cautioned against relying solely on courts or escalating tensions, highlighting the power of collective civic action.