The recent wave of “No Kings” protests, now in their third nationwide iteration, are failing a crucial test of any burgeoning movement: expansion. According to observations from columnist Salena Zito, the faces in the crowds remain stubbornly familiar, a disconcerting sign for those hoping to build a broader coalition against the current administration.
Zito’s assessment wasn’t based on sweeping generalizations, but on direct observation of rallies in Pittsburgh and Mount Lebanon, Pennsylvania. While watching the Mount Lebanon event online, she experienced a striking realization – she recognized nearly everyone present. This wasn’t a surge of new energy, but a re-circulation of the existing base.
“I know almost everyone,” Zito stated, highlighting the lack of fresh participants. The protests, while drawing sizable numbers, are essentially “regurgitating” the same voters who were engaged in 2024. A true coalition, she argues, demands the inclusion of new voices and perspectives.
Beyond the lack of numerical growth, Zito pointed to a noticeable absence of demographic diversity within the protests. A key element missing was representation from the working class, a segment of the population vital for any widespread political shift. This homogeneity raises questions about the protests’ ability to resonate beyond a specific, already-committed group.
The sense of something manufactured was further amplified by fellow columnist Joe Concha, who described the protests as “contrived.” An investigation revealed the involvement of approximately 500 groups coordinating the demonstrations, a level of orchestration that fuels skepticism about their organic nature.
Concha’s critique extended to the speakers themselves, suggesting a lack of genuine conviction. He specifically cited actor Robert De Niro’s appearance in New York City, noting the actor appeared visibly reliant on a script, stumbling over his lines and projecting an air of inauthenticity. This perceived lack of spontaneity further contributed to the impression of a carefully constructed event.
