Tens of thousands of people across San Diego County joined nationwide “No Kings” protests Saturday, June 14, to voice opposition to President Donald Trump’s policies, such as those on immigration, and broader concerns about executive overreach.
Protestors marched through the streets of downtown San Diego, with additional protests held in El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside and more. The demonstrations were part of a coordinated movement under the banner “No Kings, No Clowns,” organized by groups advocating for constitutional protections and government accountability.
In San Diego, one of the leading organizers was Wendy Gelernter, a retired scientist and group leader at Take Action San Diego. She said planning began in the spring in response to concerns about the Trump administration’s agenda, which she said included attacks on civil liberties and the dismantling of social programs.
“We were incredibly happy with how peaceful the event was, how large it was – it was well over 60,000 people just in Downtown San Diego,” Gelernter said. “There were 11 ‘No Kings’ events throughout the county everywhere from Chula Vista all the way to Oceanside, and when we count all of those together, we get much closer to 100,000 people in San Diego participating.”
Despite the size of the crowds, Gelernter said there were no disruptions or incidents. Organizers had prepared for potential issues, but none arose.
At the largest gathering the San Diego Police Department reported no arrests, property damage or injuries. Officers were assigned to the protests to help manage traffic and ensure safety, and they worked closely with event organizers and volunteer marshals throughout the day.
“It was encouraging to see so many people gather peacefully,” Police Chief Scott Wahl said in a statement. “We’re grateful to everyone who helped make these events safe for our city.”
Gelernter said the protests were meant to support democratic values and bring people together to speak out against what organizers see as too much power in the hands of the president and a weakening of basic rights.
“This was an example of the kind of America we are talking about – an America that is safe and prosperous for everybody,” she said. “That comes together peacefully to exercise our First Amendment right.”
She recalled a moment during the protest in downtown when she looked out and saw thousands of diverse participants talking with strangers, smiling and sharing space respectfully.
“We showed really what we are for, which is this inclusive democracy where people help one another out and people are decent and considerate of their neighbors,” Gelernter said.
While the protests brought tens of thousands into the streets, the larger goal was to channel that momentum into sustained action. The events served not only as a show of unity, but as a starting point for continued civic participation and pressure on elected leaders, Gelernter said.
“One of our goals was to make sure we were equipping people with things they can do, whether it’s writing letters to the editor or phoning their legislatures or joining in a food drive,” she said. “We want people to stay involved consistently, because that’s really the secret to change. When people stay engaged, it can have a tremendous impact and that’s what we’re looking for.”
Saturday also marked Trump’s 79th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the United States Army.
In Washington D.C., about 6,700 soldiers and dozens of armored vehicles participated in a military parade through the capital.
