No Kings, No Consequences
This past weekend, thousands of Americans marched in protest of President Trump’s administration: the second wave of the appropriately dubbed “No Kings” protests. By many accounts, this repeat wave of protests saw increased turnout compared to June’s. But the question remains: will there be substantive (if any) effects? With the country on the verge of midterm elections, it remains to be seen whether the protest turnout translates into voting booths. Comparatively, protests in countries around the world have seen direct and immediate effects: most notably in Nepal, where Gen-Z protestors overthrew the government in less than 48 hours. Waves of discontent have also resonated in Madagascar, the Philippines, and Indonesia, amongst other countries.
What separates an effective protest from virtue signaling? For one, violence. In Nepal, protestors torched government buildings and directly attacked politicians, leading to the deaths of over 70 people. In Madagascar, President Rajeolina fled out of fear for his life, allowing for power to be seized by Col. Michael Randrianirina. Another common denominator between these international protests is the high prevalence of youth activists, with Discord-coordinated logistics and anime-inspired banners serving as the foundation of many movements.
In comparison, the lead-up to “No Kings” protests was decidedly stifled. Blue-check liberals on X circulated graphics of rules advising participants to “Lead with Love, not Anger” and to “Be Mindful of Words & Tone”. Such sentiments are unfortunately reflective of the general state of the Democratic party: don’t push for change, and when you do, make sure to do so in a way that doesn’t tread on toes. This is not to say that nonviolence as an ideal is inherently flawed, but to instead ask what propriety does that passion cannot. This weekend’s protests were met with derision and dismissal by their targets, with the President unironically posting AI-generated videos of himself defecating upon the crowds on TruthSocial. Clearly, peaceful protest isn’t exactly resonating with the current administration.
So what else is there to try? One option is economic blackouts. Money has always been the language of American power, spoken fluently by corporations, donors, and lobbyists. A coordinated financial front, from consumer boycotts to mass withdrawals, could unsettle the foundations that modern political theater stands on. Ultimately, whether “No Kings”’ energy will reach the ballot box remains uncertain. As the shutdown persists and the cost-of-living crisis worsens, the true question is how much more Americans can endure.
