Jimmy Kimmel to Mark Ruffalo, list of celebrities who attended No Kings protest

The "No Kings" protests rippled through cities nationwide as a response to a rare military parade led by President Donald Trump in the nation's capital. What began as regional frustration in Los Angeles quickly spread to demonstrations in places like Philadelphia, Houston, and New York. Reportedly, the No Kings protest was fueled by public anger over President Trump’s immigration policies.

The protest movement, named "No Kings," drew participation from various corners—political figures, union leaders, grassroots organizers, and even celebrities. Among the more visible attendees was comedian and talk show host Jimmy Kimmel.

Kimmel attended a San Francisco protest with his parents and later took to Instagram to share his experience. His caption captured the spirit of the gathering:

"A huge, inspiring and yes - peaceful - turnout in the South Bay. I met many people who love this country and still believe it to be a force for good. I am grateful to see so many Americans take action to stand up for our friends and neighbors, most of all, my parents."

He ended the post with a personal reflection:

"I know how fortunate I am to have been born into a family that taught me to care about others and that the most important words ever spoken are “Love one another.” It really is as simple as that. #NoKings"

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Hollywood joins ‘No Kings’ demonstrations opposing President Trump's Policies:

In New York City, actor Mark Ruffalo stood among a rain-soaked crowd and spoke to MSNBC about the urgency that brought so many to the streets.

When asked why demonstrators chose to rally despite the weather, Ruffalo answered plainly:

“Because we see our democracy is in real trouble.”

He went on to deliver a pointed critique of the Trump administration.

“We see a president who has made himself a king and dictator, and we don’t see an opposition that’s powerful enough to stand up against the trampling of our rights and the trampling of the Constitution that’s happening every single day with executive orders, with the refusal to obey court orders, kidnapping of immigrants, people who are here legally, people who their children are being taken from them,” he said.

“We’re disgusted and we’re scared, and we know that the only way that — to fight this now is for the people, is to come together.”

Mark Ruffalo’s appearance added to a growing list of Hollywood voices lending public support to the No Kings movement, which spanned cities from coast to coast.

Musician Moby also took part in the No Kings demonstrations, joining the wave of protests that spread across the country. He posted a video of himself at one of the rallies on Instagram, underscoring the urgency of civic action.

“No kings. We need to do everything we can to protect democracy: protest, donate, post, run for office, vote, organize. Also now is absolutely not the time for any in-fighting,” he wrote in the caption.

According to a report shared by The Hollywood Reporter, several celebrities used their platforms to support the No Kings protests, including Olivia Rodrigo, who shared an image of a protest sign on her Instagram Story. The sign featured a crown with a red strike-through above the words “in our USA.”

Singer-songwriter Gracie Abrams also shared her presence at the demonstrations. On her Instagram Stories, she posted two photos from the crowd—one sign read, “Free speech is not an insurrection,” while another featured a quote from Desmond Tutu: “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”

Actor Dan Bucatinsky appeared at a protest alongside Oscar-winner Marisa Tomei. Dan Bucatinsky posted a photo of the two together on Instagram with the caption:

“Coming together to show what Democracy looks like. #nokings #obama #lgbtq #stand #america.”

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Trump’s military parade faces opposition from ‘No Kings’ protesters and public figures:

According to a report by the BBC, the “No Kings” protests drew their name from a broader critique that President Donald Trump had overstepped the bounds of presidential authority during his second term. The demonstrations coincided with a rare military parade in Washington, D.C., where Trump stood to salute as thousands of uniformed troops marched past in formation, accompanied by tanks, military vehicles, and marching bands.

He kept his remarks brief, thanking the troops for their service:

"Our soldiers never give up. Never surrender and never, ever quit. They fight, fight, fight. And they win, win, win."

The event sparked backlash among several politicians and retired military officials, some of whom dismissed it as an expensive display of ego. Army estimates placed the cost of the parade between $25 million and $45 million.

However, there were attendees for whom the parade held personal meaning. Vietnam War veteran Melvin Graves told the BBC he never received a welcome-home celebration when he returned from combat.

“This is about honouring these men and women who served, to thank them for their service,” he shared.

Though he acknowledged the political tensions surrounding the parade, he added,

“This is as close as I’ll get to one.”

The last military parade of this scale in the U.S. took place in 1991 under President George H.W. Bush, marking the end of the Gulf War.