On Saturday, millions of people participated in the “No Kings” protests across the United States, with participants voicing their opposition to the Trump administration. But how did these protests, which have become a major movement, come into being?
It all started with a Colorado-based organization called American Opposition, founded by Carlos Álvarez-Aranyos.
The Birth of American Opposition
American Opposition, founded in Boulder, Colorado, in January 2025, is the driving force behind the “No Kings” protests. The group, which Álvarez-Aranyos started, aims to fight against what they perceive as rising fascism in the country.
While the group’s main message remains constant, with a focus on defending democracy, the specific issues brought up at each protest vary, depending on local concerns.
Álvarez-Aranyos, who has helped lead protests across the nation, most recently led a large demonstration in Los Angeles. Reflecting on the experience, he said, “To lead them in that march was probably the greatest honor of my life.”
The protests, like the one in Los Angeles, have gained massive participation, with millions joining in to voice their concerns about the political direction of the country.
A Growing Movement
The protests, including those held on June 14, 2025, were organized in collaboration with other groups like the 50501 Movement and Indivisible. According to Álvarez-Aranyos, the participation in these protests has doubled since a similar event in April 2025.
While the specific concerns of protesters can differ by city, the unifying theme is opposition to the Trump administration and its policies.
American Opposition’s work is not just about organizing protests; it’s about fostering a larger sense of civic responsibility. Álvarez-Aranyos explained that the organization encourages people to stand up for American values, focusing on active participation in the democratic process.
“We have to show up,” he said, emphasizing that American democracy is a participatory effort.
The “No Kings” Movement
One of the most prominent movements led by American Opposition is the “No Kings” protest. The phrase was coined by the 50501 Movement, which organized protests across all 50 states. The slogan itself is a direct call to reject the idea of a “king” or dictator in the U.S., referring to Trump’s presidency as an overreach of power.
The name “No Kings” highlights the importance of maintaining a democratic government where no one person holds absolute control.
In Colorado, the protests centered on various issues, including immigration. Local organizer Jennifer Bradley, who represents Colorado’s chapter of the 50501 Movement, pointed out that Colorado’s unique stance on immigration—where the state has refused to cooperate with ICE—has made it a central location for immigrant advocacy protests.
“The people are rising up immediately to speak for the immigrant community,” Bradley said.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite the peaceful nature of most protests, tensions flared in some locations, including Denver, where clashes with the police occurred late into the night. After the main event ended, some protesters continued to march, defying police warnings and trying to push through barricades.
This led to the police declaring an unlawful assembly and using pepper balls and smoke to disperse the crowd. Six separate marches occurred after the official event, leading to several arrests.
Even though some protests turned confrontational, both Álvarez-Aranyos and Bradley maintain that they prioritize peace and safety during protests. The Colorado chapter of the 50501 Movement trains volunteers on de-escalation tactics and brings safety leaders and medics to each event to help maintain order.
Plans for future protests are already in the works, with another potential nationwide protest being planned for July 4. Álvarez-Aranyos believes that significant American political holidays like Independence Day offer powerful opportunities to bring attention to the movement’s message.
For him, the idea of people coming together in such a way is a representation of the American Dream, something worth fighting for.
In spite of the challenges and controversies, the “No Kings” protests continue to grow in both number and influence, making it clear that the movement, which started with a small group in Colorado, has spread across the nation.
Whether the protests will continue to have the same impact or evolve in a new direction remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: American Opposition has sparked a nationwide call for action.