Tom Morello was among the most prominent voices at the nationwide “No Kings” protest held on June 14, 2025, in opposition to former President Donald Trump’s military-style parade in Washington, D.C. Organized as part of a mass demonstration for democratic norms and against authoritarian symbolism, the “No Kings Day of Defiance” featured rallies in over 2,000 cities across the United States. In Los Angeles, Morello took the stage alongside B-Real of Cypress Hill, members of the Russian feminist punk group Pussy Riot, and political hip-hop collective Neighborhood Kids. Morello performed an acoustic version of “Killing in the Name” to a crowd of demonstrators, a song long associated with resistance to police brutality and state overreach. Morello held a sign that said ‘Deport Racists.’
The Los Angeles event, described as one of the most artistically driven protests of the day, drew a wide array of musicians and activists. Pussy Riot’s appearance marked a rare collaboration with American artists, and the group’s members shared statements in support of global democratic movements. B-Real and the Neighborhood Kids also performed tracks written for the protest, with lyrics criticizing fascism and militarization in domestic politics.
Meanwhile, in New York City, actor Mark Ruffalo delivered a passionate speech in Union Square, calling the protestors “the Avengers of democracy.” He warned that “no one is coming to save us” and urged citizens to “protect freedom and voting rights with our actions, not just our beliefs.” Other celebrities spotted at protests across the country included Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Kerry Washington, and Ayo Edebiri, all of whom have recently spoken out on social media in defense of democratic institutions and voting access.
Although the vast majority of protests remained peaceful, a fatal shooting was reported during a demonstration in Minneapolis, and several cities, including Phoenix and Philadelphia, experienced minor clashes with law enforcement. The Department of Justice confirmed it is monitoring these incidents.
The No Kings movement arose in direct response to Trump’s parade, which featured military tanks, flyovers, and imagery critics said echoed authoritarian regimes. Organizers from civic groups stressed that the event was nonpartisan, with the goal of defending democratic norms and preventing the politicization of the U.S. military.
As Morello told the crowd in L.A., “This isn’t about party lines. It’s about power—who has it, how they use it, and who they silence when they do.” Plans for a follow-up national benefit concert and voter registration drive were announced at several rallies. Morello and Ruffalo are among those expected to take leading roles in future organizing efforts.
