What Democracy Sounds Like
Americans are taking to the streets to protest the gutting of federal agencies and programs millions of people depend on to maintain health, home and family. Drastic cuts to education, healthcare, national security, veterans benefits and international programs have ignited a movement to save the nation's endangered democracy.
What Democracy Sounds Like
No Kings in the USA, Cape Girardeau, Missouri: June 14, 2025
An estimated 500 people protested at Freedom Corner at Capaha Park in Cape Girardeau, Missouri on June 14. The protest was one of about 2,000 demonstrations nationwide that brought an estimated 5 million people to the streets.
The “No Kings” mass mobilization opposes authoritarian measures by President Donald Trump and his administration.
The Cape Girardeau protest fanned out from a central point at Freedom Corner around a replica of the Stature of Liberty. The statue was placed there by the Boy Scouts of America in 1950.
Cape Girardeau, a town on the Mississippi River about 100 miles southeast of St. Louis, has a veterans’ home that cares for 150 people. The "No Kings" protest at Cape Girardeau included many military veterans, easily identified by messages on signs or T-shirts.
“No Kings” demonstrators at Cape Girardeau included a few 17-year-olds eager to vote in next election, some families with young children and many people in their 60s and 70s stunned by the Trump administration's attack on the foundations of democracy. Concerns expressed by signs and conversations included the administration's failure to honor court decisions, rounding up immigrants without due process, and budget cuts to programs in healthcare, nutrition and veterans benefits.
The June 14 protests across the U.S. were on the day of a military parade in Washington, D.C., organized by Trump, that cost up to an estimated $45 million in taxpayer money.