June 16, 2025 Manhattan, NY Thousands braved the rain in New York City on Saturday, taking to the streets in a massive anti-Trump protest. This demonstration was part of a nationwide "No Kings" movement, coinciding with a military parade in Washington D.C. celebrating the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary and President Donald Trump's 79th birthday.
NYC Marches Against Trump Policies Amidst "No Kings" Movement
The New York City protest followed a week of earlier demonstrations in the city, which focused on critical issues such as immigration, civil rights, housing, and healthcare. A pervasive fear of rising authoritarianism fueled many of the participants.
"I'm a New York City teacher and I want my kids to have the right to vote in four years and I'm afraid they'll never ever see that," shared Margaret Caban, an English and humanities teacher who joined the Manhattan march. Her students, she noted, are increasingly anxious about the future of the country. "We read books like '1984,' we read 'Fahrenheit 451.' I tell them to look for patterns," Caban explained, referencing the dystopian novels. "They're afraid."
Fifth Avenue Flooded with Protesters Despite Downpour
Despite the inclement weather, crowds of demonstrators filled Fifth Avenue. Marchers convened near Bryant Park shortly after 1 p.m., then proceeded downtown in an orderly fashion, flanked by police in tactical gear.
"It's nice to see people out here and protesting what I view as a very, very real threat to our nation, unlike anything we have ever seen," said Cynthia Bittenfield, who traveled from the Upper West Side to participate.
Even those working along the march route expressed solidarity. Henry Carpio, an Ecuadorian immigrant on a construction crew, voiced support for the march's pro-immigrant message. "It's bad," Carpio said in Spanish, referring to Trump's policies. "Because immigrants help the country progress. If they throw us out, how will the country progress?"
"No Kings" Protests Sweep the Nation
The New York City demonstration was one of approximately 2,000 "No Kings" protests planned across the country, spanning major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles and Chicago to smaller, rural communities.
