Philadelphia witnessed a powerful display of dissent on June 14th, as tens of thousands converged at the base of the iconic “Rocky” steps to participate in nationwide “No Kings” protests. The demonstrations, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday, served as a potent rebuke against his policies and agenda.

A stage was erected before the Philadelphia Art Museum, providing a platform for prominent speakers including Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin, Martin Luther King III, and Andrea King Waters. Their impassioned addresses resonated with the massive crowd.

Waters delivered a particularly poignant message, questioning the state of American democracy: “We gather at a crossroads, one that asks us once again, is this America? Is this America, when flash bombs fall on peaceful protesters, but not on injustice? Is this America, when the First Amendment is honored in print but punished in practice? Let me be clear, this is not patriotism. This is performance. This is not leadership. This is illusion.”

The Philadelphia gathering was just one of many “No Kings” protests held across the nation, showcasing a widespread wave of resistance against the current administration. The scale and intensity of the demonstrations highlight a significant level of public discontent and demand for political change.