People across the nation are filling the streets. The United States is no stranger to protests. There’s a long history of citizens striking back against injustices for civil rights, gun rights, and against mass deportations.
Why do people attend protests?
“There’s something called social reinforcement,” said Rebecca Shepherd, Psychology Professor at College of the Canyons.
There’s also vicarious reinforcement, and society, or at least subpopulations and groups, can reinforce and or punish participation. So I think some people are getting reinforcement socially from their groups, you know, Hey, are you going to this rally? You know, I’m going to be there. Do you want to go together?” said Shepherd.
The First Amendment of the United States Constitution protects the rights to peaceful public assembly and free speech.
According to Statistics, the number of political protests held during Trump’s first nine months in office this year has more than tripled compared to the same period in his first term.
“We were just like trying to, you know, protest our freedom of speech, that’s what our parents taught us, since they think we don’t know anything,” said Cody, a young Trump Supporter.
Political groups gather to call attention to their beliefs
“They can do as many No Kings Rallies as they want. For people who can’t differentiate between a man and a woman, they definitely can’t differentiate between a king and a president,” said Harleen Grewal, a Trump Supporter.
Organizers claim that President Trump’s alleged abuse of power fueled the October 2025 “No Kings” nationwide rally, which drew millions.
Citizens often mobilize to other locations to join larger protests.
“Looking at being incredibly creative in the way in which we protest in those crazy outfits, sometimes. We mean no harm. We’re here. We’re passively protesting, and it’s all about First Amendment rights,” said Shepherd.
