Fact Check: "No Kings protests may be the largest in U.S. history!"
What We Know
The "No Kings" protests, which occurred on June 14, 2025, were organized across the United States to express opposition to the Trump administration. These protests took place in major cities such as Philadelphia, Atlanta, New York, and Chicago, as well as in smaller communities (The New York Times). Reports indicate that police in Philadelphia estimated nearly 100,000 attendees alone (The New York Times).
Data analyst G. Elliott Morris suggested that the total turnout for the protests could range from 4 to 6 million people nationwide, which would represent approximately 1-2% of the U.S. population of 340 million (The Daily Beast). This figure, if accurate, would make the "No Kings" protests potentially the largest single-day demonstrations in U.S. history.
Analysis
The claim that the "No Kings" protests may be the largest in U.S. history is supported by several sources. The estimates of 4 to 6 million participants are based on crowd-sourced data and extrapolations from various cities where turnout was reported (The Daily Beast). This level of participation would surpass previous large protests, such as those seen during the Women's March in 2017, which had an estimated turnout of around 3 million nationwide.
However, it is essential to consider the reliability of the sources reporting these figures. The estimates from G. Elliott Morris, while based on data analysis, are still extrapolations and may not reflect precise numbers. Additionally, the White House downplayed the protests, claiming they were a "complete and utter failure" and estimating only 250,000 attendees at the military parade that coincided with the protests (The Daily Beast). This contrast in narratives highlights potential bias, as official government sources may aim to minimize the significance of opposition protests.
Moreover, while some reports from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) suggested that over 5 million people participated (USA Today), the lack of comprehensive data from all participating cities makes it difficult to verify these numbers independently.
Conclusion
The claim that the "No Kings" protests may be the largest in U.S. history is True, based on the substantial estimates of participation and the widespread nature of the protests across the country. While the exact numbers are difficult to confirm, the reported turnout suggests that these protests could indeed represent a significant moment in U.S. history, particularly in the context of opposition to the Trump administration.
