Delaware Valley U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan may call herself a “moderate Democrat,” but that moderation was not on display when she spoke at Saturday’s “No Kings” protest in West Chester.
“Trump is the worst president since Trump,” Houlahan told the 6,000 or so people who were on hand.
“In 146 days Donald Trump has pissed off, insulted, and threatened our allies, while aligning our nation with our enemies. And he’s getting dangerous regimes to imprison our immigrants.”
Houlahan, a military veteran, also mocked President Donald Trump’s decision to hold a parade in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the creation of the U.S. Army.
“A pox on (Trump), a pox on his house,” the Chester County Democrat added.
Houlahan’s heated tone matched the tenor of the “No Kings” protests, held in more than 2,000 cities across the U.S. According to Indivisible, a left-wing group that helped organize the rallies, some 5 million people participated in the events, including 100,000 in Philadelphia.
One West Chester attendee wore a crown and fur-lined cape as he displayed a sign reading “Fake King — Just Like Trump.” Others displayed signs with the phrase “86 47,” which translates into a call to “get rid of” the 47th president — Donald Trump.
And one person was even more direct, holding a sign asking, “Is he dead yet?”
The ‘No Kings’ protest in West Chester, PA on June 14, 2025
References to political violence were particularly notable given the news breaking that morning of the apparent assassination and attempted assassination of two state legislators and their spouses in Minnesota. Not to mention the fact that there were two assassination attempts on the president while he was a candidate in 2024, including one in Butler, Pennsylvania.
While everyone DV Journal spoke to was polite, many of those who stood to protest in light rain seemed angry and grim-faced.
While some of the signs were playful, many in the crowd were quietly grim-faced or openly angry. In conversations with DVJournal, attendees echoed the message from the podium — Trump is a genuine threat to end America’s democratic system.
“Democracy is at stake, but most especially on Nov. 4,” Chester County Clerk of Courts Democratic candidate Caroline Bradley told the crowd.
Downingtown Mayor Phil Dague, who founded the Chester County chapter of Indivisible, told the protesters that they were patriots.
Talking about the deportation of illegal immigrants, he said every person deserves basic “rights” and “due process.”
“America was once the standard bearer for rights and due process; they’re on pause right now, but we’re bringing them back,” said Dague.
The ‘No Kings’ protest in West Chester, Pa. on June 14, 2025.
Other speakers talked about LGBTQ rights and rights for transgender individuals, which they believe are being trampled under the Trump administration.
Unlike the Los Angeles rioters, these protesters did not have Mexican or Palestinian flags, only small American flags. They had received a warning against the optics of carrying foreign flags.
Glenmore resident Jeff Dekonty brought his two dogs, Henry and Walter.
“We believe in patriotism, democracy, human rights, and the constitutional order,” he said, when asked why he was there.
Lillian Barlow, 84, came with her two daughters, “to protest what is happening in our country” and for “immigrants being unfairly detained, deprived of their constitutional rights. Anyone who speaks out against the government is in trouble. Our freedom is on the line.”
Freddie Bagnato of Atglen was beating a Scottish Bodhran drum at the protest.
“I’m here because for the last eight to 10 years it’s been complete insanity,” she said. “I have a grown daughter, and I want her to have a good future. It’s insane. I’ve never seen anything like this.”
However, Republicans scoffed at the organized protests.
“While liberal rioters burn the flag and cheer on criminal illegal immigrants, left-wing crybabies are melting down over patriotism and strength. George Soros can bankroll all the America-hating protests he wants. We’ll keep celebrating the greatest country in history,” said National Republican Congressional Committee spokeswoman Maureen O’Toole.
