Iowa 'No Kings Day' Organizer Explains Growing Movement

Jackie Cordon says rallies opposing Trump policies have expanded as more Americans feel left behind.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:26pm

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An abstract, fragmented painting depicting a crowd of protesters marching, their figures repeated in overlapping, geometric waves of vibrant colors, conveying the energy and momentum of the growing 'No Kings Day' movement in Iowa.The growing 'No Kings Day' movement in Iowa reflects rising grassroots opposition to the Trump administration's policies.Des Moines Today

Jackie Cordon, a rural Iowa resident, has become an organizer for the 'No Kings Day' movement, which has held rallies across the state opposing President Donald Trump and his policies. Cordon says the rallies have grown as more people recognize the number of Americans who are not seeing their lives improve under Trump's decisions.

Why it matters

The 'No Kings Day' movement represents growing grassroots opposition to the Trump administration and its policies, particularly in rural areas that have traditionally supported the Republican party. The expansion of these rallies suggests an increasing political divide and dissatisfaction with the current administration among some Iowans.

The details

Cordon, who previously hosted church camps with her husband, now organizes online book clubs, coffees, food drives, voter registration assistance, and sometimes rallies that have been growing in size. Some of the early rallies focused on opposition to President Trump and his appointee Elon Musk, who was tasked with leading the 'Department of Government Efficiency' (DOGE) to cut programs, workers, and priorities that didn't support Trump's agenda. Cordon contends the rallies have expanded to show opposition to politicians who support Trump's policies, as more people recognize the number of Americans who are not seeing their lives improve under Trump's decisions.

  • Cordon has been organizing 'No Kings Day' events for several years.

The players

Jackie Cordon

A rural Iowa resident who has become an organizer for the 'No Kings Day' movement, hosting online events and rallies opposing President Trump and his policies.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States whose policies and appointments have been the target of 'No Kings Day' rallies organized by Cordon.

Elon Musk

The billionaire appointed by President Trump to lead the 'Department of Government Efficiency' (DOGE), tasked with cutting programs, workers, and priorities that didn't support Trump's agenda.

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What they’re saying

“The rallies have expanded to show opposition to politicians who support Trump's policies. She contends that the rallies have grown as more people recognize the number of Americans who are not seeing their lives improve under Trump's decisions.”

— Jackie Cordon, No Kings Day Organizer

The takeaway

The growth of the 'No Kings Day' movement in Iowa highlights the political divide and dissatisfaction with the Trump administration, even in traditionally Republican-leaning rural areas. As more Americans feel left behind by the current administration's policies, grassroots opposition movements like this one are gaining traction and expanding their reach.