On Saturday, March 28, “No Kings” protesters lined the Ninth Street Causeway. Bundled up in coats, gloves and hats, participants held signs criticizing President Donald Trump and his administration.
Although 400 registered before the event, organizers estimated that up to 2,000 participants were in attendance for the third round of demonstrations in the past year — one in June 2025 and another in October 2025.
According to nokings.org, 8 million people turned out across more than 3,300 events throughout all 50 states.
Louis Stricoff, co-leader of Indivisible OCNJ, said the protest was part of a coordinated effort with other Indivisible chapters across the South Jersey shoreline. Rallies were also held in Cape May Court House, Galloway Township and Atlantic City afterward
The day began with a rally at the former McDonald’s parking lot, followed by a march along the bike path.
In addition to Stricoff, members from community groups and political candidates spoke, along with music.
Frigid temperatures fail to deter large crowd
“It was an extremely cold and windy day… but people came anyway,” Stricoff said.
Janet Yunghans, president of the Upper Township Democratic Club and a safety marshal for the protest, spent the morning in Ocean City before traveling to a second rally in Cape May Court House later in the day. She said her role was focused on maintaining a calm and orderly environment.
“There were a few — I would call them ‘Trumpers,’ — who were very vocal, but no one really interacted with them. So things stayed peaceful,” Yunghans said, noting there were only minor disruptions and “nothing outstanding.”
She said a few cars drove by as passengers shouted phrases like “Go Trump” or “Ice, Ice, Baby” out the window at the Cape May Court House rally.
In Ocean City, Stricoff said there was a truck going by that dusted the crowd with diesel.
“It’s a free country… they have every right to exercise their rights,” he said.
Yunghans pointed out some of her favorite signs, including “No Kings, No Fascists, No Tyrants, No Nazis,” a large banner reading “democracy dies in silence” and one that displayed the word “human rights” with the final “s” written as a dollar sign repeatedly, increasing each time.
“I think people are finally starting to understand that we’re in a plutocracy and the wealthy have way too much influence over our policy and government. There’s just too much money in politics,” Yunghans said.
Robin Veloso of Egg Harbor Township attended the protest with her husband, continuing a pattern of civic engagement that began in 2017.
“With everything that’s going on…this is a way to let people know that there are a lot of us that have these same concerns, and just that the power in numbers,” she said. “I mean, 8 million strong across the country is not shabby.”
Stricoff emphasized that the demonstration was part of a broader national — and increasingly international — movement. He also highlighted the group’s commitment to safety and nonviolence.
“No one is paid… it actually comes out of my pocket, and my co-leader and other donations,” he said. “We’re 100% nonviolent… we don’t want any violence happening. No property destruction.”
What’s driving the movement
Yunghans said her first protest was the Women’s March after Trump’s first presidency and has attended every “No Kings” rally since they started.
“I believe that [Trump] is a rogue president who is basically violating the U.S. Constitution on many levels. Our founders created a separation of powers. I believe that the Republicans in Congress are giving up their authority. They’ve taken an oath to the Constitution, not one man, and I think it’s up to us, the people, to fight for our democracy,” she said. “This country was created because we wanted independence. We didn’t want to be ruled by a king. I would probably describe Trump more as a dictator, or want-to-be dictator, and our guardrails are breaking down. He’s just relentless.”
Yunghans explained that ‘No Kings’ serves as an umbrella for participating groups, such as Indivisible, 50501, the Women’s March and more. Living in Cape May County, which leans Republican, Yunghans said she initially felt alone in her political beliefs, but when she joined the local Democratic Club, she realized that wasn’t the case.
“I realized there are a lot of people — and it’s not just Democrats. It’s Democrats, Independents [and] I have quite a few friends who are Republicans who don’t really like Trump — are alarmed by this,” she said.
Both Yunghans and Stricoff said their motivation for attending and organizing stems from deep political concerns.
They said the goal is to raise awareness, build community and encourage civic engagement, alongside showing their disapproval for the current administration.
“I had to do something. I was fed up with the Trump regime… and the Project 2025 plans that are in place…That’s why it’s called ‘No Kings,’ because a king can break the law… an elected president should be following the rules,” Stricoff said. “If people want to come out to these things, they shouldn’t be afraid … We’re creating a community of people who want to resist… you don’t have to feel alone.”
Julia graduated from Rider University in 2024 with a BA in multiplatform journalism and minor in social media strategies. In addition to reporting on local news for Shore Local, she is a social media strategist for small businesses. Connect with her: shorelocaljulia@gmail.com or @juliatrain on Instagram.
