Hundreds of thousands of Americans participated in the “Hands Off” events on 5 April to protest against Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s governance, yet the media response was lackluster within the US. While some outlets like The Guardian and CNN covered the protests extensively, others like Fox News downplayed the significance. The upcoming “No Kings” day on Saturday is expected to be even larger, with over 100 pro-democracy groups organizing rallies in 1,500 cities across all 50 states. These protests are a response to Trump’s planned military parade and growing concerns over authoritarianism.
Research from Harvard University shows that when 3.5% of the population engages in sustained non-violent resistance, significant societal change occurs. Erica Chenoweth, the political scientist behind the study, found that non-violent protests are more effective than armed conflict in bringing about lasting change. In the US, this 3.5% threshold equates to approximately 9 million people, highlighting the potential for impactful citizen-led movements.
Despite the transformative power of peaceful protests, media coverage plays a crucial role in amplifying their message. Journalists’ reluctance to cover such events comprehensively can dampen the impact of these movements. The mainstream media’s hesitance may stem from concerns about appearing partisan or losing viewers, but the ultimate decision to prioritize democracy, decency, and the rule of law lies with the American people. If citizen protests continue to grow in size and persistence, even reluctant media outlets will have no choice but to acknowledge their significance.
