No Kings, No Crowns: Michigan Joins the Largest Global Protest Against Authoritarianism in Modern History

We showed Trump just how weak he is on Saturday.

While Donald Trump stood behind bulletproof glass celebrating himself with tanks and fighter jets in Washington, D.C., something far more powerful was happening across the country and the world.

In Michigan alone, more than 70 separate No Kings rallies unfolded from Detroit to Grand Rapids, Lansing to Traverse City, in parks, public squares, and anywhere folks could congregate. Tens of thousands turned out across the state, joining what organizers are now calling one of the largest mass mobilizations in modern history—a global day of action to reject authoritarianism, deportation raids, and the steady erosion of democratic norms.

And they did it with conviction, color, and creativity.

A State on Its Feet

Across Michigan, the message echoed: No thrones. No crowns. No kings.

• In Lansing, protestors surrounded the Capitol building holding signs that read "We serve the people, not the powerful."

• In Ann Arbor, more than 8,000 people came together. Protest signs emphasized themes of democracy and defiance, with visuals echoing the wider movement’s messaging—like “No Kings,” “Sanctuary for All,” and calls to reject authoritarianism.

• In Flint, organizers emphasized the long history of state neglect and environmental injustice, linking local struggles to the national fight against authoritarianism.

From rural towns to urban centers, Michiganders showed up. And they weren’t alone.

Detroit Fights Back

At Clark Park in Detroit, the energy was electric. Thousands gathered under the banner of No Kings—a call to resist ICE raids, the militarization of American streets, and Trump’s attempts to seize unchecked power. Families, veterans, elected officials, union leaders and community members stood side by side.

Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib said during an exclusive interview with Distill Social:

“We don’t need legislation or an ordinance to tell us Detroit is a sanctuary city. They’re not taking any of our immigrant neighbors on our watch.”

Her words were a direct rebuke to Mayor Mike Duggan, who has insisted that Detroit is not a sanctuary city and has refused to commit to shielding residents from ICE. But today, the people of Detroit made their stance clear: the real sanctuary comes from solidarity.

We’re Not Powerless. We’re the Majority.

If you’re wondering whether protests really matter, here’s your stat of the day:

When just 3.5% of a population engages in sustained, nonviolent resistance, change is not just likely—it’s inevitable. (Source: Harvard professor Erica Chenoweth. And yes, we’re nerds for knowing that.)

We’re damn close.

Millions of people participated in the No Kings protests across the United States, with organizers estimating over 5 million demonstrators globally at more than 2,100 events. According to reporting from outlets like AP, PBS, and The Guardian, this day of action is now considered one of the largest protest mobilizations in modern U.S. history—comparable in scale and likely larger than the 2017 Women’s March and the 2003 global protests against the Iraq War.

Importantly, the rallies remained overwhelmingly peaceful. Despite the scale and intensity of the moment, incidents of unrest were rare and largely limited to isolated agitators attempting to cause disruption. Across the board, participants maintained a spirit of nonviolent resistance—marching, chanting, and organizing with discipline and unity. From Lansing to London, the message was clear: No thrones. No crowns. No kings.

Meanwhile in D.C…

As millions marched, Donald Trump held a sparsely attended military parade in Washington, D.C., using public funds to mark both the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and—conveniently—his 79th birthday.

Critics blasted the event as eerily reminiscent of despots and strongmen throughout history who celebrate themselves with grandiose military displays. Trump’s choice to deploy National Guard troops and the marines in LA to suppress protestors only underscored the rallying cry: authoritarianism is no longer theoretical—it’s here.

What Comes Next

The June 14th No Kings day wasn’t just a protest. It was a declaration. A refusal.

A reminder that when courts are ignored, when communities are raided, when services are gutted, and when the powerful try to rule by fear—we don’t stay silent.

Michigan made its voice heard. Loudly. And we’re not done.

They don’t want us united. But we are.
They don’t want us organized. But we will be.
Because in America, we don’t do kings.

The resistance needs fighters, not followers. If you’re still reading, you already know what’s up. You’re in it. So let’s raise our voices, flood the streets, and make them regret ever underestimating us. The next protest is on July 5th. Stand by for more info!

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