'No Kings' foot soldiers ignore organizers' warning, go all in for Democrats

“No Kings” protest movement faces scrutiny for allegedly partisan messaging ahead of mid‑term vote

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A federal‑law‑compliant, nonpartisan voter‑mobilization effort is under investigation after Fox News Digital found that the “No Kings” demonstrations held on Saturday across the country were, in fact, highly partisan. The coalition, which has claimed it is “nonpartisan, peaceful” and focused on getting Americans to early‑vote, reportedly used messaging that explicitly encouraged supporters to “vote blue,” “time for a blue tsunami,” and other slogans that favor Democratic candidates.

The investigation, conducted by Fox News Digital, identified hundreds of events that were part of a larger campaign to turn anti‑Trump protests into a durable voter bloc. The coalition’s own “Event Prohibitions” documents state that events must not be partisan, cannot be coordinated with political parties or candidate campaigns, and cannot reference preferred election outcomes. Fox’s analysis shows that these rules were violated in several locations, including Delaware, Oregon, California, Virginia and Pennsylvania.

The coalition’s stated mission and legal constraints

The “No Kings” movement began in 2022 as a series of anti‑President Donald Trump protests, and has since grown into a network of more than 300 progressive advocacy groups, labor unions and political organizations with an estimated combined annual revenue of $2.5 billion. According to its website, the group’s goal for Saturday’s “Vote Early” rallies is to “increase participation from all eligible voters,” providing information on where and when to vote and encouraging early voting.

Under federal law, tax‑exempt 501(c)(3) charities cannot endorse or oppose political candidates. 501(c)(4) organizations and political action committees (PACs) are allowed to engage in some political activity, but federal campaign finance regulations restrict coordination between nonpartisan events and candidate campaigns. The coalition’s own host toolkit contains detailed instructions that organizers must not use partisan language, coordinate with party committees, or distribute campaign literature.

Examples of partisan messaging

In Newark, Delaware, Indivisible’s local chapter advertised a 2 p.m. demonstration on S. College Avenue and W. Main Street, encouraging attendees to “wear blue” and use signs that read “Vote Blue Nov. 3,” “Vote Early, Vote Blue,” and “Time for a Blue Tsunami.” The event’s description explicitly said, “💙 Wear blue to signify the blue tsunami we are hoping we will see in Nov!”

Across the country, Indivisible chapters in Oregon, California, Virginia and Pennsylvania posted similar content. In Roseburg, Oregon, signs such as “DOUGLAS COUNTY VOTES BLUE!” and “VOTE EARLY. VOTE THEM OUT!” were promoted. The Roseville, California, Democratic Party advertised a canvassing operation linked to a “No Kings” rally, promising materials to “support our endorsed candidates.” In Kingstowne, Virginia, a local Indivisible group urged voters to “vote them out” if leaders didn’t represent their interests. In Springfield, Pennsylvania, a Women’s March event called for “Vote Blue. Vote. Make Your Voice Count.”

All of these messages contradict the coalition’s own prohibition of “vote blue” slogans, calls for “vote them out,” and other partisan messaging.

Statements from coalition spokespersons

Eunic Epstein‑Ortiz, the national spokesperson for “No Kings,” called Fox News Digital’s findings “unfounded” and said the protest “has brought millions of Americans together to stand up for democracy, defend our freedoms, and reject authoritarianism.” She added that the coalition is drawing “Republicans, Democrats and Independents” and that the focus is on early voting, not on endorsing particular parties or candidates. She also said the coalition “is aware of partisan events circulating online that are not affiliated with or officially organized by No Kings.”

A member of Indivisible Colorado Springs told the group’s founders that their event was struggling to attract media attention unless it focused on President Trump. The founder replied that the group should “make it about Trump” and that the coalition “does not say you can’t focus on the fascists in the White House.”

Legal context and potential violations

The “No Kings” host toolkit’s “Event Prohibitions” list includes a clause that states events must not be “jointly branded with partisan organizations,” and it explicitly lists Democratic clubs as examples of prohibited host venues. It also bars “candidate campaign activity” and coordination with party committees. The fact that several events were co‑branded with Democratic parties, used “vote blue” slogans, and were advertised by partisan groups suggests a possible violation of these rules.

Federal election law prohibits tax‑exempt organizations from endorsing or opposing candidates. While 501(c)(4) groups and PACs can engage in some political activity, they must not coordinate with candidate campaigns. The coalition’s own instructions appear to conflict with the reality of the events.

Broader political implications

The investigation raises questions about how the “No Kings” coalition can maintain a “nonpartisan” image while partnering with groups that have a history of supporting Democratic candidates, including the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association, the Service Employees International Union, MoveOn, Planned Parenthood Action Fund, and the Democratic Socialists of America. Indivisible, one of the coalition’s main organizers, operates through a 501(c)(4) advocacy arm, a 501(c)(3) charity, and a PAC, all of which have the legal capacity to influence elections.

In March, Fox News Digital identified about 500 organizations linked to the “No Kings” movement, estimating a combined annual revenue of $3 billion. The coalition’s flagship event in St. Paul, Minnesota, on March 28, cost an estimated $250,000 to produce and featured Democratic officials and celebrities such as Bruce Springsteen, Jane Fonda and Senator Bernie Sanders.

The coalition’s future plans

The “No Kings” group has scheduled a series of training sessions for October 21 and 22 aimed at sustaining voter mobilization and protecting election results. It also plans to hold more events after the mid‑term elections, continuing the shift from street demonstrations to voter engagement.

The coalition maintains that its efforts are meant for all eligible voters regardless of party preference. However, the use of partisan messaging and coordination with Democratic‑aligned groups has sparked criticism that the movement is effectively a vehicle for a Democratic “blue tsunami” in the November elections.

As the investigation continues, observers will watch whether the “No Kings” coalition can reconcile its stated nonpartisan stance with the partisan tactics it appears to be employing on the ground.