Tens of Thousands Protest in San Diego's 'No Kings' March

Rallies across the county call for preserving democracy and addressing a range of issues under the Trump administration.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 10:41pm

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The third nationwide 'No Kings' protest swept across San Diego County on Saturday, with tens of thousands of protesters — young and old — unifying against President Donald Trump's administration. The main rally at Waterfront Park grew from 20,000 to approximately 40,000 people, who marched through downtown San Diego carrying signs focused on a wide range of issues including the war in Iran, the Epstein files, government surveillance, and ICE activity. Smaller rallies also took place in other parts of the county, including El Cajon and Chula Vista.

Why it matters

The 'No Kings' marches have become a major grassroots movement against the Trump administration, with protesters voicing concerns over a variety of political, social, and civil liberties issues. The large turnout in San Diego reflects the depth of opposition to the current president and the desire to preserve democratic norms and institutions.

The details

Protesters marched through downtown San Diego, accompanied by loud music, costumes, and bubble launchers. Beyond the city center, San Diegans gathered at 18 locations across the region, from Oceanside to El Centro. Slogans on signs included plays on words, from calling the GOP 'Guardians of Pedophiles,' to altering MAGA to stand for 'Morons are Governing America' or 'Molesting Adolescent Girls Allowed.' Other popular signs referenced issues like the war in Iran, the Epstein files, government surveillance, and ICE activity.

  • The third nationwide 'No Kings' protest took place on Saturday, March 28, 2026.

The players

Crystal Irving

A local labor union president who welcomed first-time protesters to the 'No Kings' rally.

Ava Stieler

A student at SDSU who came to protest the war, as her girlfriend, a Marine, was sent to the Middle East to fight a war she didn't agree with.

Scott and Janice McFarlane

An older couple who attended their first 'No Kings' rally together, remembering a version of America they could 'feel proud of' that has now been 'altered to the point of being unrecognizable.'

Sarah Flores and Chris Horgan

A couple from Philadelphia who were visiting San Diego on a cruise and immediately joined the 'No Kings' protest when they saw it starting.

Bobby Wallace

Led a Kumeyaay land acknowledgement for the 'No Kings' protesters gathered at Waterfront Park.

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What they’re saying

“'For those who are first timers, welcome to the resistance. Welcome to the 'No Kings' rally!'”

— Crystal Irving, Local labor union president

“'This is the future of our country. It's our job to make sure our country stays a democracy, stays faithful to its roots and the Constitution.'”

— Ava Stieler, SDSU student

“'Young people are so discouraged right from the start, they've lost hope — that just breaks my heart. You care more about your kids and grandkids, you want the world to be better for them.'”

— Janice McFarlane

“'You can no longer not have internet for a week, come back and nothing has changed. There are more atrocities.'”

— Chris Horgan

“'I think it's interesting because in Philly, we tend to be, or appear more aggressive, but I kind of like the idea of bringing joy. It's not just us being angry, it's about imagining what kind of world we could have.'”

— Sarah Flores

What’s next

Many protesters were focused on the midterm elections, believing that casting their ballots in November will set the country back on track.

The takeaway

The 'No Kings' marches have become a unifying force for a diverse range of activists and concerned citizens in San Diego County, who are determined to preserve democratic norms and hold the Trump administration accountable on a wide array of issues. The large turnout and energy of the protests suggest this movement will continue to be a significant political force in the months and years ahead.