‘No Kings’ Protest Brings Anti-Trump Message to Downtown Missoula

MISSOULA — On Saturday afternoon, protesters gathered at the X’s in downtown Missoula to oppose President Donald Trump, voice support for Palestine and trans rights, decry alleged Social Security cuts, and air a range of frustrations as part of the nationwide “No Kings” protest movement.

The demonstration marked the most recent of several past anti-Trump protest in Missoula since Trump’s inauguration in January. This recent protest follows April’s large “Hands Off” rally that drew several thousand demonstrators to the courthouse lawn and a smaller sequel protest two weeks later that attracted only about 200 participants.

A drum circle and a growing crowd of several thousand, many carrying signs, waited until just after 4 p.m. before marching south on North Higgins Street toward Caras Park for a rally. Organizers wearing No Kings–branded hats and shirts directed Missoulians to protest peacefully, noting that the Missoula Police Department would be present to ensure demonstrators could “express their First Amendment rights.”

The turnout appeared to match—if not exceed—the energy of April’s initial “Hands Off” event, signaling renewed momentum after organizers admitted that the mid-April protest had “fizzled.” This latest demonstration seemed to tap into the surge of national unrest sparked last week when the Trump administration escalated deportation efforts in Los Angeles County. Protests there quickly turned violent, with graffiti covering buildings, burned-out vehicles in the streets, and some demonstrators hurling glass bottles and fireworks at law enforcement. In response, the administration federalized the National Guard to protect federal buildings while local police worked to contain the more violent fringes of the unrest in the streets of Los Angeles.

Many of the same groups that backed the earlier demonstrations in Missoula and nationwide—including Indivisible, 50501, and local Democratic Socialist contingents—were visible in the crowd in downtown Missoula once again.

Signs bobbing through the crowd echoed familiar Democratic slogans and talking points: “We are in a constitutional crisis,” “Save Democracy,” criticisms about a Qatari jet gifted to the U.S., and the usual warnings about fascism and dictatorship. Several signs read “8647,” a reference to a recent social media post by former FBI Director James Comey, who shared a photo on social media of seashells arranged into the numbers “8647” as a coded call to “86” (remove) “47” (Donald Trump, the 47th President).

A group of culture-jamming “scientists” in white lab coats marched, waving signs warning Missoulians about “fossil-fueled foolery.”

Missoula City Councilman Daniel Carlino, who represents Ward 3, marched behind the Democratic Socialists of America contingent, holding one corner of a Palestinian flag while partially covering his face with a cardboard sign that read, “Power to the People.”

Protesters shouted familiar rally chants like “Show me what democracy looks like!” while others screamed “Dump Trump!”, “Fuck MAGA!” and “Impeach the asshole!” The crowd was awash in hand-painted signs bearing slogans such as “FUCK MAGA,” “FUCK TRUMP,” “No one is illegal on stolen land,” “Fight Fascism,” and “Down with the Broligarchs.” Rainbow flags, trans flags, and upside-down American flags flown in distress added to the visual display of defiance.

The crowd was primarily composed of seniors, but a sizable contingent of young people — including children and families — also took part in the march.

At Caras Park, attendees heard speeches from figures selected by No Kings organizers. The Montana Democratic Party and their affiliates including nonprofits and NGOs like Common Good Missoula, Montanans for Palestine, ACLU of Montana, Forward Montana, Catalyst Montana (formerly the Montana Human Rights Network), and the Missoula Tenants Union—set up tables under the tent pavilion, distributing stickers, collecting emails, and registering voters.

In a statement, Montana Democratic Party Interim Executive Director Justin Ailport said, “There are no kings in the United States of America– and we intend to keep it that way!”

With less than six months into Trump’s second administration and three and a half years remaining in his term, Saturday’s demonstration raises questions about whether organized liberal resistance in Missoula has regained momentum after losing steam following April’s disappointing sequel protest, or if the movement remains on life support. One thing is certain: the left-liberal networks in Montana remain organized, with a vast infrastructure of nonprofits and activist organizations capable of mobilizing significant numbers when they can latch onto national movements. As Trump continues to make good on campaign promises that resonated with the majority of Americans who voted for him, progressive activists face the prospect of sustained opposition through 2028.