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'No Kings' protests are returning to the mid-Hudson Valley on Saturday, March 28, as part of a nationwide demonstration against what organizers call the rise of political dynasties and threats to democracy. Nineteen events are scheduled in Dutchess, Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster counties, part of over 100 across New York state and more than 3,000 nationwide, according to the movement's official website and reporting from the Poughkeepsie Journal.
The 'No Kings' movement, organized by the nonprofit coalition Indivisible, began in June 2025 in response to a military parade held by President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C. The group says the protests aim to oppose what they describe as anti-democratic actions, including efforts to influence elections, changes to healthcare, environmental regulations, education, and the use of government power to target immigrant families. Organizers claim the demonstrations are a stand against "chaos, corruption, and cruelty" and emphasize nonviolent action.
Previous rallies in June and October 2025 saw millions participate across the country, with the October event drawing over seven million Americans to 2,700 locations nationwide. According to Democrat and Chronicle, the upcoming protest is the first of its kind in 2026, continuing the momentum from last year's gatherings.
The protests are also a response to a partial government shutdown, funding for United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and what organizers describe as "rigging" political maps and an insufficient response to mass shootings. The group further criticizes the rising cost of living, tax spending on missile strikes abroad, and benefits for wealthy allies of the administration, as reported by Lohud.com.
Local events are planned throughout the region on Saturday, inviting residents to participate in peaceful demonstrations. Organizers say their movement will continue as long as they see threats to democratic norms.