An estimated 2,500 people marched through downtown Corvallis on Saturday as part of a nationwide day of protest against the Trump administration, returning to join a crowd of about 5,500 demonstrators gathered at the Benton County Courthouse.
The “No Kings Day of Action,” described by organizers as a nonviolent protest against what they called the growing authoritarianism of President Trump’s administration, drew tens of thousands to streets and parks across Oregon. Organizers said more than 2,600 events took place nationwide, drawing millions of participants.
“Trump is tearing this country apart,” said Thea Kelley, a Corvallis protester. “Every day the administration commits some new illegal, unconstitutional outrage — sending troops into blue states, destroying necessary government agencies and services, normalizing corrupt conflicts of interest, suppressing free speech.”
Led by a band of drummers and horns, the “Parade of the People” wound through downtown Corvallis during the three-hour rally. After completing the route, marchers rejoined others at the courthouse where some held signs along Fourth Street while others participated in a “Dance of Defiance” on the courthouse lawn.
Signs reflected a wide range of concerns and personal experiences among attendees.
“My parents immigrated with me to this country based on the hope for a better future,” said Esther Kim, one of the organizers. “I am the fruit of their labor, as they toiled as janitors and bookkeepers until they were able to start a business of their own. This administration doesn’t care about the working people. This administration does not want people that look like me to succeed.”
The Corvallis rally was organized by Indivisible Benton County.
In Portland, the Oregon Capital Chronicle estimated 40,000 to 50,000 people attended the main downtown protest. Protesters around the country demonstrated against the Trump administration’s efforts to send federalized National Guard troops to Portland and other cities — efforts that federal courts have so far blocked in Portland.
Oregon Capital Chronicle’s reporting said that at least 200 protesters gathered outside the ICE processing facility in Portland after the No Kings march. Federal officers deployed pepper balls to clear a road in front of the building.
The Chronicle also reported that dozens of counter-protesters gathered outside the Oregon Capitol, displaying U.S. flags, Make America Great Again merchandise, and signs depicting conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was shot to death in Utah last month.