Demonstrators joined a large “No Kings” protest against Trump administration policies in Grand Junction on Saturday as part of a nationwide movement of demonstrations.

Local organizers estimate that up to 3,000 people attended the protest in Grand Junction — a significant turnout for this predominantly Republican city that voted for President Donald Trump in 2024.

The crowd size peaked at around 10 a.m., when a rally began and before temperatures spiked, said Claire Ninde, of Indivisible Grand Junction, the group that organized the protest. Temperatures in the city were projected to reach triple digits on Saturday.

While 600 people registered for the event, the number of people who come to Indivisible events is typically four times the number who register, said organizer Mallory Martin.

The “No Kings” protest took place at Canyon View Park – in coordination with approximately 2,000 other protests across the county, on the same day as a Trump-planned military parade in Washington, D.C., to mark the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary. It also happens to be Trump’s 79thbirthday.

Many Trump opponents claim the parade is about celebrating himself, and refer to it as his “birthday parade.” According to PBS, the parade will cost taxpayers between $25 million and $45 million.

Handful of counterprotesters

Grand Junction resident Caitlin Lyman said she came to the Grand Junction protest because she’s fed up with the Trump administration, and a little scared. She also wanted to be around like-minded people, she added. 

An Indivisible news release called the “No Kings” protest “a mass, nationwide protest rejecting authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics, and the militarization of our democracy.”

In Grand Junction, along the park’s west side, protesters lined up along 24 Road, stretching south to D Road, and north to the Interstate 70 overpass — where some people hung signs facing the eastbound interstate traffic. A handful of counter-protesters drove trucks back and forth. Some were flying Trump, Confederate, Israeli, and American flags. 

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Organizers encouraged people to watch webinars with instructions on how to deescalate tensions if they arise. A safety team urged protesters to not engage with counterprotesters. Volunteers also worked to keep people safe near traffic, as they left the park and began walking on the sidewalk along 24 Road. 

The local protest remained peaceful, although one counterprotester driving a white truck revved up his engine and veered slightly toward a group standing on the sidewalk. Others made obscene gestures and yelled at the protesters as they drove by. A truck driver emitted exhaust toward protesters. However, the vast majority of motorists signaled they supported the protest.

Lamar R. Edwards and Kevin Arensman, both of Grand Junction, chose to remain inside the park where they found a place in the shade to set up their chairs. Edwards said he was there to protest fascism. 

“I was just telling Kevin the young people don’t realize what fascism is like and what it’s done. In 1958 and 1959 I went to France and the destruction of that country was still there. The effort (the Nazis) went to destroy Europe is incomprehensible,” Edwards said.

Arensman wore a red T-shirt with the words “Jesus era un immigrante” (Jesus was an immigrant). As a white man in America, Arensman said it is his duty to protest Trump’s policies. 

“Too many people are afraid to speak up with what’s going on in this country. Since I am able to speak up without fear, I will,” Arensman said. “My immigrant friends are in danger. One friend is supposed to go to his green card appointment in July but he doesn’t know if he’ll come home from that meeting.”

People are disappearing from those kinds of appointments, he added. 

Grand Junction resident Sabrina Roberts carried a sign that said “Honor the Flag.” She said she attended the rally because “I don’t like (the Trump administration) trying to suppress our First Amendment right. We need to be able to peaceably protest and not live in fear.”

Trump told reporters earlier in the week that “those people who want to protest” at the military parade are “going to be met with very big force.”

Standing near Roberts was Jennie Areson, whose sign said “Resist Fascism.” 

“I am totally anti-Trump,” she said. “I want democracy back, and to eliminate fascism. All my friends are here. We’re delighted to see this many people.”

Another protester, Renee Reynolds said “It’s so important to show up to defend democracy. You got to show up.”

Two young women, Jessiqa Montelbano and Lexi Shmalz, together held a sign that read “No! Kings! No! Dictator.”

“I wanted to show my support after hearing about it on TikTok and Instagram,” Montelbano said.

A trio of teenagers carried simple cardboard signs with messages that were important to them. 

“For me, I just couldn’t stand by and not join in,” said Karstyn Dayley, 19. “I feel strongly about Trump. He doesn’t put people’s needs in mind, except for the one percent. Every person counts.”

Her friend Kaysen Rodriquez, 17, said he came to protest Trump’s executive order aimed at ending citizenship for children born in the U.S. to parents who are not citizens or legal residents.

As the protest wound down, Ninde praised her peacekeeping team for helping to keep everyone safe. She thanked law enforcement, too, for their presence.