On June 14, citizens from all corners of the nation united in the impactful “No Kings” protests, which emerged as a direct response to Donald Trump’s extravagant birthday celebration and military parade held in Washington, D.C. These protests took place in numerous major cities and online, drawing participation from countless individuals, including high-profile figures such as Tom Morello, the former guitarist of Rage Against the Machine, and Amy Lee, the renowned vocalist of Evanescence.
Tom Morello and Amy Lee Join the Movement
Morello, who has been vocal about his opposition to Trump, particularly regarding his disputes with Bruce Springsteen, was actively present among the protesters in Los Angeles on June 14. Reports from NBC News indicate that he addressed a significant gathering in downtown Los Angeles during the afternoon, rallying the crowd with inspiring words.
The report elaborates:
Addressing the audience from the bed of a truck, surrounded by activists representing First Nations, Morello urged the protesters to keep amplifying their voices and stated that true progress is achieved by those who dare to stand up for their convictions. He asserted that Trump made a grave error by attempting to provoke Los Angeles.
‘When the billionaires, oligarchs, and racists decided to seize control of this nation, they chose the wrong city to start their agenda,’ he proclaimed. ‘We are the ones who must save ourselves; no one else will come to our rescue.’
On X, a user noted that Morello was seen “driving past a federal building in a truck blasting music” around 1:20 PM, while “the crowd danced as Marines observed.” Various Instagram users shared images of Morello holding a sign emblazoned with the words “DEPORT RACISTS” in bold, all-caps letters.
In a similar vein, images of Lee participating in a protest in Nashville were circulated on social media. In one photograph, she holds a vibrant sign reading “NO KINGS” alongside a hand-drawn version of the official No Kings logo, while another image shows her with her husband Josh Hartzler, both clad in “No Kings” t-shirts. Lee is also seen holding a different sign that partially states in all caps: “JUSTICE FOR ALL.”
For a closer look, you can check out various images and videos featuring Morello and Lee at the “No Kings” protests below.
READ MORE: Soundgarden Issues Powerful ‘No Kings’ Statement + ‘Non-State Actor’ Flag in Protest of Trump
Understanding the Motivation Behind the “No Kings” Movement
As reported by Loudwire, the organizers of the “No Kings” movement emphasize that their actions are fueled by a variety of troubling incidents attributed to Trump and his administration. They further explain their stance:
With the escalation of ICE raids and Trump’s continued embrace of authoritarian methods—including the politicization of the military—we are responding with decisive action. This movement is not merely about one protest or a single day; it’s about cultivating a powerful movement capable of opposing the authoritarian forces intent on eroding our democracy.
Our inspiration stems from the 3.5% principle: it necessitates just 3.5% of the population engaging in sustained, strategic protests against authoritarianism to trigger substantial political change. Our future actions will be anchored in three pivotal commitments: maintaining the fight, taking significant action today, and investing in long-term change.
The movement’s website resonates with a powerful sentiment: “They’ve defied our courts, deported Americans, vanished individuals from the streets, violated our civil rights, and slashed essential services. The corruption has gone too far. No thrones. No crowns. No kings.”
Given that June 14 marked both Trump’s 79th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the United States Army, the timing of the “No Kings” protests is hardly coincidental.
According to BBC News, these rallies and marches aimed to divert attention from and challenge “a rare military parade hosted by Trump in Washington D.C., following days of protests in Los Angeles and other locations concerning his immigration policies.” Similarly, The New York Times highlighted that the protests saw countless individuals “filling plazas, streets, and parks nationwide . . . constituting a mass mobilization advocating for the protection of American democracy against a president many opponents accuse of overstepping the bounds of his office.”
The New York Times continued to elaborate:
Demonstrations erupted in waves throughout the day, spanning both small towns and major cities, including New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, Houston, and Los Angeles, becoming the nucleus of a burgeoning protest movement against President Trump. Approximately 2,000 events organized under the banner of No Kings were scheduled across all 50 states, driven by the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, federal budget cuts, and the military parade in Washington. . . . Many events attracted large audiences, with demonstrators embracing patriotic themes, waving American flags, and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
To view more images from these events, you can visit the Associated Press and The Atlantic, and read further details about the happenings through NBC News and Newsweek.
Latest Updates on Tom Morello and Evanescence
In recent news reported by Loudwire, former Evanescence guitarist Jen Majura has officially departed from the music industry. In her statement, she reflects:
“After extensive consideration and observing the current landscape of the music industry, including developments related to AI and societal shifts, I have decided to step back. . . . Rather than spending another year yearning for renewed energy, drive, and creativity, I’ve reached a point in my life where I can confidently embrace peace.”
You can read her complete statement below:
Meanwhile, Morello is set to participate in the “Defend LA: A Show to Benefit the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights” concert scheduled for tomorrow night, June 16, at the Echoplex in Los Angeles, California. This concert will feature performances by Cypress Hill’s B Real, Pussy Riot, and several other guests, hosted by comedian and actor George Lopez.
“Join us for a night of resistance, music, and solidarity,” Morello announced on social media, and considering his recent involvement in anti-ICE protests in the city, his participation in this concert aligns perfectly with his advocacy efforts.
You can find Morello’s announcement below:
The doors for the event will open at 7:00 PM, with the concert starting at 7:50 PM, and tickets can still be purchased here or here (with proceeds benefiting the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, known as CHIRLA).
For additional information about CHIRLA, click here.
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Gallery Credit: Jordan Blum
