Backed by nearly 200 progressive groups with billions in combined funding, the much-hyped “No Kings” protests on June 14 were supposed to spark a grassroots uprising against President Donald Trump.
Instead, they exposed the Left’s deep malaise.
Despite months of planning and near-unlimited financial support, the protests failed to mobilize more than 1.5% of the U.S. population by the organizers’ own generous estimates.
Over 98% of Americans stayed home and ignored the so-called “movement.”
The protests were designed to be a nationwide rebuke of Trump, with organizers touting some five million attendees.
However, the number was based on vague, unverified estimates from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), one of the event’s top sponsors.
“Today’s protests are a resounding message that people across the nation will not be intimidated by President Trump’s fear tactics,” declared ACLU Chief Political & Advocacy Officer Deirdre Schifeling.
But the numbers and the mood told a different story.
Even by their own metrics, the “No Kings” coalition missed their target by a mile.
The group’s stated goal is to mobilize 3.5% of the U.S. population—a figure rooted in left-wing protest theory that claims that’s the magic number needed to force political change.
They didn’t even hit half that.
Instead, the events revealed a progressive base that’s demoralized, disorganized, and politically adrift in the face of a resurgent Trump administration.
Meanwhile, organizers tried to put a positive spin on the day’s events.
They touted 2,100 rallies held nationwide.
Yet, the images that emerged were hardly a show of strength.
Many demonstrations were sparsely attended, and the public reaction ranged from apathetic to annoyed.
The “No Kings” website still clings to its activist mantra:
“It only takes 3.5% of the population engaging in sustained, strategic protest against authoritarianism to achieve significant political change,” the site reads.
It continues by adding that the group will remain focused on “taking concrete action today” and “investing in the long-term.”
Translation: It’s back to the drawing board.
The group now plans to hold a virtual meeting Monday night to discuss next steps.
The move is a tacit acknowledgment that Saturday’s effort failed to ignite anything resembling the movement they had hoped for.
Despite their media backing, deep pockets, and institutional support, the American Left appears stuck in neutral.
Like the Democrats, their backers are more focused on optics and hashtags than building real momentum.
Meanwhile, Trump continues to govern with confidence.
The presidnt is undistracted by the sound and fury of yet another progressive “resistance” that can’t seem to find its footing.
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