What Are the ‘No Kings’ Protests — and Who’s Funding Them?

As demonstrators rally under the ‘No Kings’ banner, critics say the movement’s deep-pocketed funders deserve as much scrutiny as its slogans.

BAY CITY, Mich - Thousands of demonstrators are taking to the streets Saturday in what organizers call the “No Kings” protests, a coordinated campaign across all 50 states aimed at challenging what they describe as authoritarian actions by President Donald Trump. More than 2,600 events are scheduled nationwide, echoing a first wave of rallies in June that drew large crowds in cities and suburbs.

Supporters frame the movement as a defense of democracy, but conservatives warn the effort is partisan, heavily financed, and potentially disruptive.

What the movement says it stands for

Organizers describe “No Kings” as nonviolent and pro-democracy, focused on resisting what they view as concentrated executive power. Promotional materials urge participants to de-escalate conflict, obey local laws and avoid weapons. The message centers on the claim that “America has no kings” and that political power belongs to the people.

If you are not yet signed up to this free email please do so now! Don’t miss out on my exclusive investigative reporting.

How the movement began

The campaign first gained traction on June 14, 2025, timed to coincide with the anniversary of the U.S. Army and a major military parade in Washington. Protests that day were staged in hundreds of communities, drawing both national media attention and conservative criticism. Organizers include long-standing progressive groups such as the ACLU and Indivisible, as well as a coalition branding itself as the “50501 Movement,” shorthand for “50 states, 50 protests, one movement.”

Conservative concerns

Critics point to several red flags:

• Politicization: Conservatives argue the protests are less about democracy and more about partisan opposition to Trump.

• Funding and influence: The scale of the rallies has raised questions about who is paying for logistics, advertising, signage, and legal teams.

• Law-and-order risks: While organizers emphasize peaceful demonstration, earlier rallies saw scattered incidents of clashes and arrests, fueling concern about potential escalation.

• Framing: By branding the administration as “king-like,” critics say the movement undermines respect for the presidency and risks eroding trust in democratic institutions.

Following the money

Public records and reporting suggest the coalition is powered by a mix of foundation grants, union resources and small-dollar donations.

Please share this on your social media so everyone knows where the money is coming from.

• Foundations: The Open Society Foundations, backed by billionaire George Soros, has provided multimillion-dollar grants to Indivisible. One widely cited figure is $3 million over two years, earmarked for social-welfare activity. While not itemized as “No Kings,” such funding supports the infrastructure now fueling the movement. The ACLU has also committed staff time and legal resources.

• Unions: Labor unions are contributing staff, transportation, and staging resources. Their participation has been described as central to the size and scope of the protests.

• Grassroots: Local chapters rely on volunteers, small donations and platforms such as Mobilize to coordinate events, with individuals often paying for their own signs and travel.

• Allegations: Critics note involvement by pro-Palestinian activist networks and other left-leaning groups. They argue those contingents benefit from the same foundation and nonprofit ecosystem, though direct financial ties remain contested.

What to watch next

Greater detail about the money trail will come when nonprofits release annual IRS filings and when foundations update grant databases. Union disclosures may also reveal how much has been spent on protest activity. For now, the available evidence points to a hybrid model: large grants and union support at the top, combined with volunteer energy and small donations on the ground.

The bottom line

For supporters, “No Kings” is a patriotic stand against overreach. For conservatives, it is a partisan, well-funded campaign designed to influence public opinion and pressure policymakers. Either way, Saturday’s events mark one of the largest coordinated protest efforts in recent memory — and the debate over who is paying for it is only just beginning.