Thousands gather in Louisville for ‘No Kings’ protest of Trump administration

Thousands of people gathered in Louisville Saturday afternoon for a “No Kings” protest of President Donald Trump’s administration.

The demonstration, which began at noon outside Metro City Hall in downtown Louisville, opposed several of Trump’s recent actions, including a military parade in Washington D.C. Saturday to mark the Army’s 250th anniversary that coincides with the president’s birthday, and widespread deportations.

At least 16 No Kings protests were planned across Kentucky on Saturday, including in Lexington, and hundreds were planned nationwide.

Chants from the Louisville crowd included “No more kings” and “No justice, no peace. We want ICE off our streets.”

Ashley Van Bogaert, of Louisville, said she came out with her two daughters, Abigail and Rachel, because “It’s a turning point in this country, and hopefully with so many people coming out... it’s going to make a change.”

“When (Trump) got elected, I just woke up and cried, worried about my future,” Abigail Van Bogaert said.

Immigration policy is a big concern.

“I couldn’t imagine being out with these two and someone popping out of a van and ripping me away,” Ashley Van Bogaert said. “I try to make sense of it.”

“There is no making sense of it,” her friend Valerie Pennington said. “He wants to be king.”

Ava Burnett, of Louisville, said she was born in Mexico and came to the U.S. when she was 5.

“My parents are immigrants,” she said.

She also worries about her 6-year-old son.

“I want him to have a better future,” she said, her voice breaking. “Just out here trying to make sure the world is better for him.”

She said she hopes the protests will prompt leaders to listen.

“I don’t want to keep living in fear,” she said.

Demonstrators carried signs with messages like “This episode of Handmaid’s Tale really sucks” and “No kings since 1776.”

The crowd, which stretched at least five city blocks, marched down Main Street behind banners that read “Save our democracy” and “The Wrong ICE is melting. Abolish ICE,” cheering and chanting as they went.

“I’m a pastor, and I care about who we worship,” Kevin Brown said as he marched. “I feel like I have to do something. The best thing I can do is join with other people who are concerned and peacefully show that we care.”

He carried a sign that read, alluding to Jesus: “Middle eastern person of color conceived by (an) unwed mother.”

“No king but my king,” it read.

“I’m not one to protest every day, but this seemed to be a special occasion,” Brown said. “Having a military parade in D.C. on your birthday is one of those things that crosses the line.”

Attendee Sophie Graf said she was pleased with the protest turnout. The grassroots movement began in February, she said, and “every single time it just keeps growing.”

Graf said being inundated with bad news can tempt people to disengage from what’s going on, but it’s “really important that we don’t check out in this moment.”

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said in a video posted on social media Friday that the city has “a detailed plan to protect those attending and to protect our city.”

“I understand why people are frustrated,” he said. “...We expect things here in Louisville will remain safe and lawful because we all love our diverse and vibrant city.”

Greenberg was joined in the video by Louisville Police Chief Paul Humphrey, who said the Louisville Metro Police Department “will be monitoring demonstrations closely to ensure public safety while protecting freedom of speech.”

“We respect and uphold the First Amendment rights of all individuals, but let me be clear: unlawful actions such as property damage or threats to others will not be tolerated.”

Gov. Andy Beshear activated the state emergency operations center ahead of the protests, saying he expected the protests would be peaceful but that the center would be available to share information and coordinate resources if needed.

National protest organizers said in promotional materials that they hoped the demonstrations would be “a national day of action and mass mobilization in response to the increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption of the Trump administration.”

“We’ve watched as they’ve cracked down on free speech, detained people for their political positions, threatened to deport American citizens, and defied the courts,” materials on the No Kings website stated. “They’ve done this all while continuing to serve and enrich their billionaire allies. They think they rule — but we are bigger than even their worst aspirations.

“President Trump is planning a military parade in Washington, D.C. on June 14. This display of might is intended to intimidate opponents and solidify his image as a strongman on our dime—we won’t stand by while that happens.”

This story was originally published June 14, 2025 at 2:05 PM.