Hollywood’s most respected voices are once again stepping into the political arena, lending their support to the widespread “No Kings” protests. With stars like Robert De Niro, Jimmy Kimmel, and Glenn Close drawing parallels to America’s original fight for independence, these demonstrations represent a powerful confluence of celebrity influence and grassroots activism against perceived threats to democracy, a sentiment deeply resonating with fans of classic American ideals.
Across all 50 states, hundreds of thousands of Americans recently took to the streets for the “No Kings” protests, voicing strong disapproval of President Donald Trump’s administration. Key concerns fueling these demonstrations included aggressive ICE raids, the deployment of the National Guard into major cities, and significant federal program cuts. This wave of protests, mirroring previous “No Kings” events in June, has garnered substantial support from Hollywood, with many prominent figures using their platforms to amplify the message.
The Historical Call to Action: De Niro’s Powerful Parallel
Among the most fervent celebrity voices was Robert De Niro, an actor known for his iconic roles and outspoken political views. De Niro appeared in a video for the political activist group Indivisible, urging people to participate in the protests. His message resonated deeply with historical context.
“The original No Kings protest was 250 years ago,” De Niro stated, emphasizing the enduring American spirit of independence. “Americans decided they didn’t want to live under the rule of King George III. They declared their independence and fought a bloody war for democracy. We’ve had two and a half centuries of democracy since then. Often challenging, sometimes messy, always essential.” He continued, directly addressing the present, “Now we have a would-be king who wants to take it away: King Donald the First. Fuck that. We’re rising up again, this time, nonviolently raising our voices to declare: No Kings.” This powerful declaration, as reported by AOL, citing Variety, encapsulates the core sentiment of the movement.
Hollywood Mobilizes: Diverse Voices, Shared Resolve
The support from the entertainment industry was broad and varied, reflecting the diverse ways public figures can engage with political discourse.
Jimmy Kimmel, the late-night host, utilized his Instagram platform to share an infographic. This visual contained dozens of scathing nicknames for President Trump, encouraging protesters to use them on their signs. Examples included “Commander-in-Theif,” “Greedy McGolfy,” “Mar-a-Lardo,” “Orange Julius Caesar,” and “Uncle Scam.” Kimmel’s post playfully highlighted the president’s penchant for nicknames, turning it back on him.
Veteran actor Glenn Close posted a powerful photo to Instagram, holding a sign that proclaimed, “No oligarchs. No dictators. No despots. No autocrats. No kings!!” Her caption further solidified her stance, quoting Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address: “…that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from this earth.”
Mark Ruffalo, a consistently vocal critic of the administration, took to Threads to spotlight “No Kings” protests happening in cities like Gainesville, Florida; Minneapolis; Philadelphia; and New York City. “Amazing,” he wrote on Threads. “So many people love the USA and want NOKINGs.”
Actor John Cusack gave an interview at a Chicago “No Kings” protest, expressing deep concern: “It’s all upsetting. Seeing a sort of fascist authoritarian…cosplay that the right wing has been fooling around with for so long, seeing it devolve into the real thing is predictable, but deeply saddening.”
Acclaimed screenwriter and director Paul Schrader (known for classic films like Taxi Driver and Raging Bull) shared a photo on Facebook from a “No Kings” protest in Times Square, simply captioning it “I was there,” indicating his direct participation.
Artistic Integrity and Political Messaging: The ‘Danger Zone’ Controversy
The political engagement extended beyond direct support to a strong defense of artistic integrity. Musician Kenny Loggins spoke out vehemently against Donald Trump’s unauthorized use of his iconic song “Danger Zone” in a bizarre AI video. The video depicted the president in a fighter jet bombing “No Kings” protesters with what appeared to be fecal matter, a disturbing homage to the 1986 classic film Top Gun.
“This is an unauthorized use of my performance of ‘Danger Zone.’ Nobody asked me for my permission, which I would have denied, and I request that my recording on this video is removed immediately,” Loggins stated in a statement shared with Variety. He continued, expressing his dismay at the divisive nature of the video: “I can’t imagine why anybody would want their music used or associated with something created with the sole purpose of dividing us. Too many people are trying to tear us apart, and we need to find new ways to come together. We’re all Americans, and we’re all patriotic. There is no ‘us and them’ — that ’s not who we are, nor is it what we should be. It ’s all of us. We’re in this together, and it is my hope that we can embrace music as a way of celebrating and uniting each and every one of us.” Loggins’ statement underscored the profound disconnect between artistic intent and political exploitation.
The Enduring Significance of Celebrity Activism
The widespread participation of roughly 7 million people in over 2,700 “No Kings” protests across the nation, as reported by Variety citing CNN, highlights a significant moment in American political discourse. The involvement of beloved classic film stars and entertainment personalities ensures these critical conversations reach a broader audience, bridging the gap between political action and pop culture.
For fans of cinema, seeing these iconic figures take a stand is more than just news; it is a reaffirmation of the values often explored in their work—themes of justice, freedom, and the fight against oppression. From the defiant roles that made them household names to their current vocal activism, these celebrities continue to embody a commitment to democratic ideals, echoing the very foundations of American history that De Niro so eloquently invoked.
