Thousands gathered in downtown Lexington on Saturday for the ‘No Kings’ protest to oppose the Trump administration.
The No Kings Lexington protest took place on June 14, 2025, at the Courthouse Plaza and was part of the “50501” movement, which stands for 50 protests, 50 states, one day, according to the movement’s website.
The ‘No Kings’ protests were in response to President Trump’s actions in office that some Americans found to be “authoritarian” or “king-like,” such as the official White House social media accounts posting a picture of President Trump adorned with a crown with “LONG LIVE THE KING” in February.
Protestors organized outside the courthouse as they listened to speakers discuss why they’re upset with the current administration. Afterwards, they filled the sidewalk outside the courthouse, facing the streets and waving signs as cars passed.
Attendees chanted phrases like “No Kings, No Tyrants, We will not stay silent!” and “This is what resistance looks like!” through the streets of Lexington.
Basel Touchan, Affiliate Equity Officer for Kentucky’s American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), is an immigrant from Syria and spoke at the event, criticising the current deportations led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and President Trump.
“I know firsthand what power unchecked is like. I grew up under authoritarian rule,” Touchan said. “When I looked around the world for a place where I can live freely, where I can love openly, and where I can speak truth to power, America was the easy choice.”
Touchan said he felt betrayed by the country’s performance, but he has hope for the future.
“This is not who we are,” Touchan said. “This is not law and order, this is lawlessness.”
Former military servicemen and women also came out to support the protest, holding signs like “I didn’t serve eight tours for a man’s fragile ego” and wearing shirts that showed their disdain for the way the Trump administration has worked since January.
Many members and allies of the LGBTQ community also attended.
Former Kentucky poet laureate and author Silas House gave a speech about the protection of LGBTQ people in response to how the Trump administration has treated the community.
“Pride started with a small group of people fighting back, and it still matters because many still hate LGBTQ people,” House said. “They’re still constantly trying to negate our existence because there’s still legislation being passed to erase us, but we will not back down.”
House called out Kentucky Representative Andy Barr for “doing Trump’s bidding as a bootlicker,” claiming he has not done his job of representing Kentuckians’ voices.
“Shame on you, Andy Barr, we are watching you,” said House.
President Trump denied accusations against his administration when asked about the planned No Kings protest last Thursday, according to the New York Times.
“I don’t feel like a king, I have to go through hell to get stuff approved,” Trump said. “No, no. We’re not a king. We’re not a king at all, thank you very much.”
