Billings Joins Nationwide ‘No Kings’ Protest [PHOTOS]

On Saturday, demonstrators gathered outside the Yellowstone County Courthouse in downtown Billings to take part in the national “No Kings” day of action.

Sidewalks downtown became a hub for protest, drawing attention from passersby as participants held signs, shared their message, and voiced concerns about the direction of American democracy.

Community Members Took to the Streets to Be Heard

The Billings protest was one of many that took place across the United States as part of the “No Kings” movement. Demonstrators filled sidewalks and public spaces to speak out against what they view as a growing shift toward authoritarianism in the U.S. government.

Though the protest coincided with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday and the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary celebration in Washington, the tone in Billings, demonstrators said, was focused more on protecting the democratic values that underpin the country.

The Meaning Behind ‘No Kings’

This event was part of the broader 50501 Movement, which stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement. The “No Kings” theme was chosen to push back against what organizers described as executive overreach and billionaire-driven policymaking.

Many protesters said they feared the country was drifting away from its democratic roots. Signs and messages throughout the crowd made it clear what was on the minds of demonstrators: Americans elect leaders, they don’t crown them.

Reasoning Behind the Protest

According to organizers, the protest wasn’t just about a single issue or moment in time. It was about a pattern of behavior they say undermines democracy, from limiting free speech and detaining political opponents to threats of deporting U.S. citizens and ignoring court rulings.

Protesters said these actions point to a broader erosion of democratic norms and called for a recommitment to a government that serves all Americans, not just the powerful few.

Part of a National Wave of Demonstrations

The Billings event was one of hundreds held across the U.S. on June 14. It followed a week of protests tied to federal immigration enforcement and military deployments in cities like Los Angeles.

Organizers said the buildup to the “No Kings” day of action was fueled by concerns over escalating shows of government force, especially Trump’s decision to amplify the Army’s 250th anniversary with a large-scale military parade that included tanks, aircraft, and thousands of troops.

Many protestors said they felt the timing, coinciding with the president’s birthday and Flag Day, turned the event into a personal spectacle rather than a unifying national moment.

A Peaceful Gathering

True to the movement’s request, the protest in Billings remained peaceful. Protesters ranged in age and background. Many held handmade signs reading “Democracy, Not Dynasty,” “The Flag Belongs to the People,” and “No Thrones, No Crowns, No Kings.”

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Attendees chanted and participated in conversations about civic engagement and the responsibilities of a free society. Organizers stressed the importance of nonviolence and de-escalation, and the crowd responded in kind.