Democracy in Crisis: Protesters Rally Against Trump, But Their Own Party Isn’t Off the Hook
In a powerful display of dissent, thousands converged on Washington D.C. and cities across the nation on Saturday, their voices united under a single, resounding cry: “No kings.” This wasn’t just a protest against President Donald Trump and his administration; it was a clarion call for a deeper reckoning. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Trump’s policies were the primary target, a significant number of protesters also voiced their frustration with their own Democratic leaders. And this is the part most people miss—the growing disillusionment within the party’s base.
Organized by Democratic groups and activists, these “No Kings” rallies marked the second wave of nationwide protests since June, drawing crowds determined to challenge what they see as an authoritarian tilt in American governance. Yet, amidst the anti-Trump chants, a quieter but equally urgent conversation emerged. Many left-leaning and liberal protesters told NBC News they’re just as unhappy with their own party’s leadership—or lack thereof.
“I don’t have a lot of faith in the Democrats right now,” admitted Alex, a construction worker from northern Virginia who declined to give his last name. “They don’t seem to have a spine or a clear message. They’re too disorganized to put up a real fight against this mess.” His frustration was echoed by others, like Clark Furey, a 40-year-old Washington resident, who bluntly stated, “We’re just taking it on the chin and not speaking out. We need to throw some elbows—the high road isn’t cutting it anymore.”
Jenny Wang, a 35-year-old Washingtonian, summed up her feelings about the Democratic Party in two words: “Disappointed and underwhelmed.” These sentiments aren’t isolated. Since the Democrats’ losses in the 2024 White House and Senate races, and their failure to flip the House, the party’s approval ratings have plummeted to historic lows. Is this the beginning of a deeper fracture within the Democratic Party?
But here’s the real question: Are the Democrats truly fighting for the average American, or are they too entangled in corporate interests and internal power struggles? Scott, a 45-year-old Washington resident, didn’t hold back: “By and large, the Democratic Party is also bought by corporate interests. They’re failing to stand up for working people.” He pointed to specific examples, like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s endorsement of Maine’s 77-year-old Gov. Janet Mills for Senate over a younger, progressive candidate, and the party’s reluctance to fully back New York City’s Democratic mayoral nominee, Zohran Mamdani.
Amanda Nataro, 41, who lost her government job due to Trump’s cuts to USAID, criticized Democrats for being too afraid of losing elections to take a stand. “They’re missing an opportunity to show what democracy looks like,” she said. “They showed a little backbone with the shutdown, but it’s too little, too late.”
Despite this frustration, many protesters acknowledged recent efforts by Democratic leaders to push back. The party’s opposition to a Republican-backed stopgap funding measure, which led to a government shutdown, was seen as a step in the right direction. “I’m happy they’re finally holding their ground,” said Lydia, a 44-year-old from Springfield, Virginia. “The shutdown sucks, but it’s effective. I can’t afford higher health care costs.”
Yet, the question remains: Is this enough? Many rallygoers see hope in a new generation of leaders like California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Sen. Chris Murphy, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and others. “Let’s get rid of the old guard and bring in fresh blood,” Wang urged. “We have too many octogenarians and septuagenarians in Congress.”
Here’s the controversial part: While Democrats rally against Trump, their own base is demanding they look inward. Are they willing to confront their shortcomings and rebuild trust? Or will they continue to alienate the very people they claim to represent? What do you think? Is the Democratic Party doing enough, or is it time for a radical overhaul? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.
