Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the Ohio Statehouse on Friday evening to participate in a peaceful protest as part of the growing national “No Kings” movement. The protest in downtown Columbus was one of several planned across the country in response to what participants described as increasingly authoritarian rhetoric coming from former President Donald Trump. Organizers and attendees expressed concern about recent messages and imagery associated with Trump, saying they conflict with the foundational values of American democracy.
The protest was prompted in part by a military parade scheduled for Saturday in Washington, D.C., which critics have compared to similar displays in autocratic regimes. Demonstrators in Columbus said they see the parade as a symbolic gesture that contradicts the democratic principles the nation was founded on. Madison Tracy, a lead organizer with a local activist group, said the gathering was a direct counter-protest to the parade, which many believe reflects Trump’s admiration for authoritarian power structures. Additional protests were planned in nearby suburbs, including Pickerington, Clintonville, Westerville, Grove City, and Hilliard, to take place on Saturday in solidarity with the broader movement.
The spark that helped ignite the No Kings protests came earlier this year from a post Trump made on his social media platform, where he criticized congestion pricing plans in New York. In that message, Trump declared “CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!” A government-associated social media account followed this message with an image of Trump wearing a crown. This imagery quickly spread online and raised alarm among critics who argue that such symbolism is unfit for a leader in a constitutional republic. Protesters pointed to the post as evidence of a troubling shift in tone and a flirtation with monarchic symbolism that undermines democratic values.
One of the participants, Christine Johnson, emphasized the peaceful nature of the demonstration and its ongoing mission. She stated that protesters intend to keep fighting for democracy through nonviolent means and civic engagement. Another protester, Chris Stach, expressed concern that the direction of the country under such leadership increasingly resembles a violation of constitutional norms. He reiterated that the United States was not designed to be a monarchy and criticized the tone and imagery coming from Trump and some within his administration.
When asked about the protests during a recent interview, Trump denied any intent to portray himself as a monarch. He argued that his political experience has involved many obstacles and challenges that would be foreign to any king. Trump stated that kings would not have to negotiate or seek support from lawmakers, highlighting the differences between his role and that of a monarch. Despite this denial, the symbolism and messaging have continued to concern many Americans, fueling the continued growth of the No Kings movement.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to the controversy by affirming the United States is a constitutional republic. She added that the administration values patriotism and encourages Americans to take pride in their country. However, the statement did little to ease the worries of those gathered in Columbus, many of whom say they see increasing signs of authoritarian behavior and rhetoric in national politics.
One particularly poignant moment at the protest came from Virginia Terry, who attended the rally carrying a poster with a photograph of her stepfather, a member of the West Point class of 1943 who fought at the Battle of the Bulge during World War II. Terry’s sign read, “He fought at the Battle of the Bulge to make sure there were no kings.” She shared her belief that Americans have taken democracy for granted and that the country is now witnessing changes that many believed would never happen.
Protesters stressed that their goal is not only to oppose the tone of a single leader but also to promote awareness and civic responsibility among citizens. The No Kings movement has gained momentum nationally as people from diverse political backgrounds come together to defend democratic principles and challenge any attempts to glorify absolute power or diminish constitutional checks and balances.
The Columbus rally, though peaceful, carried a strong message of vigilance, unity, and remembrance of the core ideals upon which the United States was built. As more protests are planned across the country, participants say they will continue advocating for a government that represents all people—without crowns, titles, or authoritarian displays.
