The “No Kings” protests have become a refuge for liberals, progressives, and everyone in between who has had enough of President Donald Trump and his administration. The occasion allows them to believe that Trump is what’s wrong with our government, while absolving Democrats who cling to power like kings and queens.
On Saturday, I watched this play out as I sat beneath a shade tree as the Sacramento “No Kings” protest played out like others across America, The bright Saturday sun made the white pillars of the state Capitol gleam. Protesters wove through the crowd, carrying signs reading “No Kings” and “Dump Trump.”
Surrounded by music that echoed the 1970s as new generations voiced their opposition with the current administration, I felt the weight of the moment. Volunteers approached passersby, urging them to sign a petition supporting the proposed billionaire tax in California.
Sitting nearby was Judy Doolittle, holding a sign depicting Trump as Humpty Dumpty—or rather, “Humpty Trumpty.” When I asked if this was her first protest, she laughed. Doolittle, a Carmichael resident, has been attending rallies since the ‘60s and ‘70s.
“You feel so helpless, and then you come here and see so many people who feel the same way. It’s so inspiring,” said Doolittle, who cherishes the connection she feels when standing among fellow protesters.
We have to believe that change is possible
But the hierarchy afflicting our democracy doesn’t begin or end with Trump. Focusing on one man risks missing the bigger picture. Even in California, we see politicians who cling to power—like the late U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who died in office at 90 in 2023. How can we preach change if we overlook so much that is wrong with our politics on both sides of the aisle?
In California, the state Democratic Party recently gathered in San Francisco and too often has chosen to endorse yesterday’s leaders over an emerging generation. Polls show that voters are sick of both major parties.
This year, we must be honest about how much influence we, the people, truly have in elections. We shouldn’t always view our democracy through a lens of doom and gloom.
The “No Kings” protest on Saturday became another opportunity for progressives and liberals to express their convictions in the most democratic way possible.
Yet, beyond the hope and inspiration these gatherings offer, I couldn’t escape a lingering sense that real change remains elusive.
It’s not enough to chant “This is what democracy looks like” on the Capitol steps. It requires us to demand more of any leader failing to represent our interests.
The fears stirred by Trump’s administration are real, but our best response is to remember the power we hold at the ballot box and our ability to hold them all accountable, not just one man.
This story was originally published March 28, 2026 at 3:59 PM.
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