In a bid to galvanize the Democratic base against President Donald Trump, the No Kings protests on June 14 were supported by nearly 200 organizations wielding billions in resources.
Despite these efforts, the rallies failed to capture widespread attention, with over 98% of Americans opting to stay home. This lackluster turnout highlights the challenges faced by a progressive movement struggling to regain its footing.
According to The Blaze, the organizers of No Kings heralded the nationwide demonstrations as a success, claiming a turnout of approximately five million participants based on the American Civil Liberties Union's (ACLU) unverified estimates. "Today's protests are a resounding message that people across the nation will not be intimidated by President Trump's fear tactics," declared Deirdre Schifeling, the ACLU's Chief Political & Advocacy Officer.
However, the reality of the situation paints a different picture. Despite significant financial backing, the rallies underscored a pervasive protest fatigue and lack of direction within the left, with the majority of Americans largely indifferent to the events.
The No Kings initiative aspires to mobilize 3.5% of the U.S. population, a figure they believe is crucial for effecting meaningful political change. Yet, their meticulously organized protests on Saturday managed to engage just under 1.5% of the population, even by their own optimistic estimates.
The movement's website articulates their strategy: "We're inspired by the 3.5% principle: It only takes 3.5% of the population engaging in sustained, strategic protest against authoritarianism to achieve significant political change. Everything we do from here on out is grounded in three core commitments: staying in the fight, taking concrete action today, and investing in the long-term."
The ACLU, a prominent sponsor of No Kings, praised the rallies as the "largest mass mobilization since President Trump's return to office," with 2,100 events held nationwide. Yet, the turnout suggests a broader issue within the Democratic Party, which appears to be grappling with a lack of cohesive direction and motivation.
Christopher Bedford, Blaze News senior politics editor, commented on the broader implications of the No Kings movement, noting its attempts to reinvigorate a disoriented Democratic Party.
"Everything you're seeing now from the senator from California lunging through agents at the Secretary of Homeland Security, the rioting in Los Angeles, or the congresswoman allegedly assaulting a police officer in New Jersey all of these things are intentional provocations in the hopes of setting something off and triggering an overreaction because they can't get their own grassroots motivated," Bedford observed.
Login