More than eight million people reportedly took part in the nationwide “No Kings” protests on Saturday, March 28, with several high-profile celebrities joining the demonstrations against Donald Trump.
Growing opposition
Among those who showed up were Robert De Niro, Jane Fonda, Bruce Springsteen, and Jimmy Kimmel — all longtime critics of the president.
De Niro delivered a fiery speech, calling Trump a “corrupt leader” who “must be stopped now.” He went even further, describing him as an “existential threat” unlike any other president.
“When the crowds are chanting ‘No Kings,’ what I’m really hearing, as we all know, is ‘No Trump,’” De Niro said.
“There have been other presidents who have tested the constitutional limits of their power, but none have been such an existential threat to our freedoms and security — NONE — except Trump.”
He also laid out the reasons behind the growing opposition:
“It’s time to say no to Donald Trump. We’ve had enough,” he said. “No King Trump, no unnecessary wars that rob our resources, sacrifice our brave servicemen and women, and slaughter innocents. No corrupt leader enriching himself and the Epstein class buddies. No taking away healthcare from our most vulnerable neighbors, no unaffordable groceries, no unaffordable energy, no unaffordable housing and no inflation at its highest level since COVID. No government masked thugs shooting down our neighbors in the streets.”Meanwhile, Fonda attended a protest in Minnesota, where she read a powerful statement written by Becca, the wife of one of the victims referenced in the demonstrations.
“I can’t stop talking about how absolutely beautiful it is to see how Minnesota shows up for its people,” the statement read in part. “I want to say thank you for how you’ve shown up for me…The reality is I am so heartbroken. I miss my wife. The world now knows that my wife sparkled with sunshine and shone with kindness that is unmatched. We were robbed of an incredible human…We choose the side of love.”
Springsteen took the stage
Fonda had also protested the day before outside the Kennedy Center, warning that the administration is attempting to “reshape American history and cultural life through fear and attacks on our First Amendment.”
She added, “Today, books are being banned, plaques and monuments depicting historical events this administration wants to forget are being removed.”
Springsteen took the stage and performed his protest song “Streets of Minneapolis,” which references “King Trump’s private army from the DHS” and the deaths highlighted during the protests.
“The power and the solidarity of the people of Minneapolis, of Minnesota, was an inspiration to the entire country,” he said. “Your strength and your commitment told us that this is still America. This reactionary nightmare and these invasions of American cities will not stand.”
He continued, “You gave us hope. You gave us courage, and for those who gave their lives, Renee Good, mother of three, brutally murdered. Alex Pretti, VA nurse, executed by ICE, shot in the back, and left to die in the street without even the decency of our lawless government investigating their deaths.”
Also reported to be at the protest was Maggie Rogers, joining a lineup of major artists. Legendary folk icon Joan Baez even took the stage at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, performing alongside Rogers in front of huge crowds.
Jimmy Kimmel also joined in
Among others showing support were actor Sam Waterston, singer Billy Porter, former CNN correspondent Jim Acosta, and acclaimed author Ann Patchett, all of whom turned up at the protests.
TV host and comedian Jimmy Kimmel also joined in, attending with his children. He later shared photos of protest signs on social media, including one that read “Enough already,” alongside a caricature of Trump.
“Great turnout at #NoKings,” he wrote.
Several high-profile names also showed up at the Malibu “No Kings” rally over the weekend, adding star power to the protests. Doug Emhoff attended and spoke at the event, mingling with celebrities including Kathy Griffin, who shared photos from the rally and held protest signs.Actors Sam Elliott, Kristen Johnston, and Nancy Lee Grahn were also spotted at the Malibu gathering.
Elsewhere in Los Angeles, Annette Bening and Edward James Olmos joined demonstrators at separate “No Kings” events, showing just how widespread celebrity support for the protests has become.
The widespread demonstrations — and the number of celebrities speaking out — highlight the growing intensity of opposition, as voices across the country continue to demand change.
