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An estimated 500 people protested at Freedom Corner at Capaha Park in Cape Girardeau, Missouri on June 14. The protest was one of about 2,000 demonstrations nationwide that brought an estimated 5 million people to the streets.

The “No Kings” mass mobilization opposes authoritarian measures by President Donald Trump and his administration.

The Cape Girardeau protest fanned out from a central point at Freedom Corner around a replica of the Stature of Liberty. The statue was placed there by the Boy Scouts of America in 1950.

Cape Girardeau, a town on the Mississippi River about 100 miles southeast of St. Louis, has a veterans’ home that cares for 150 people. The "No Kings" protest at Cape Girardeau included many military veterans, easily identified by messages on signs or T-shirts.

“No Kings” demonstrators at Cape Girardeau included a few 17-year-olds eager to vote in next election, some families with young children and many people in their 60s and 70s stunned by the Trump administration's attack on the foundations of democracy. Concerns expressed by signs and conversations included the administration's failure to honor court decisions, rounding up immigrants without due process, and budget cuts to programs in healthcare, nutrition and veterans benefits.

The June 14 protests across the U.S. were on the day of a military parade in Washington, D.C., organized by Trump, that cost up to an estimated $45 million in taxpayer money.

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Shouting the warning that America is in danger of losing its fundamental rights of free speech, the rule of law and due process, demonstrators took to the picturesque town square in Franklin, Kentucky to protest actions by President Donald Trump and his administration.

They were students and workers and retired professionals, all aware of the signs of an authoritarian attack on American democracy. Protestors expressed concerns about potentially drastic cuts to Social Security, education, healthcare, environmental programs and international agreements.

Some took to the streets for the first time, uplifted by the honking horns of support from passing drivers and the group enthusiasm. Others renewed political engagment that began decades ago during the Vietnam war and the civil rights movement.

Franklin, Kentucky protestors were among thousands demonstrating in cities and town across America on May Day, traditionally a time to show support for workers' rights. May Day 2025 had a broader focus with people from a wide range of ages, lifestyles and professions.

The day's protesters chanted the distress signal, "May Day, May Day" used by airplane pilots and boat captains to signal immediate danger. On this day, it was a distress signal for American democracy.

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The grassroots uprising against the policies of President Donald Trump and his administration brought an estimated 2,500 people onto the streets of Nashville, Tennessee on April 19.

Protesters lined up along West End Avenue, spilling outward from a central point between Centennial Park and Vanderbilt University.

They carried signs like "United against Trump," “Navy veteran fighting Trump’s tyranny” and “Accept that Trump is an agent of Putin tasked with weakening the U.S. and everything he does suddenly makes sense."

They chanted “‘Hey, hey, ho, ho, Donald Trump has got to go” and ”This is what democracy looks like.”

The April 19 demonstration was part of a nationwide social action criticizing the Trump administration and its drastic cuts to programs for health, education, the military, national security, veterans benefits and international relations.

Small business owners, students, veterans, social workers, retirees and health care professionals at the Nashville protest cited concerns about budget cuts and the firing of thousands of federal employees impacting families, businesses and individuals.

Many at the Nashville protest said they’re stunned by how the Trump administration is ignoring the rule of law, deporting people without due process and slashing the foundations of democracy.

Newsweek reported that organizers of the nationwide event said more than three million people protested in cities and towns across the U.S.

The group 50501, which stands for 50 protests in 50 states for one united cause, was a main coordinator of the April 19 event. Third Act Tennessee was one of the organizers of the Nashville protest titled "Never Again is Now."

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