Jon Bon Jovi joins No Kings protests in New Jersey, holds ‘no tyrants’ sign

Jon Bon Jovi joined scads of Americans over the weekend to protest the policies of President Donald Trump.

The legendary rocker, 63, was among the crowds holding signs at the No Kings demonstration lining the Route 35 bridge linking Red Bank and Middletown in New Jersey on Saturday, Oct. 18.

Bon Jovi, a vocal critic of Trump over the years, was pictured holding a sign that said “No Kings. No Tyrants. No Sycophants. No Trump.” It wasn’t immediately known who took the photograph, but it began to circulate online on Bon Jovi fan sites late that night.

Asbury Park Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, has reached out to Bon Jovi’s reps for comment.

Bon Jovi was one of millions of people who turned out nationwide on Oct. 18 to protest actions by the Trump administration and celebrate their constitutional rights to freedom of speech and assembly.

The crowds at an estimated 2,700 rallies across the country included older Americans who protested Vietnam or never protested anything before, veterans who said they didn’t fight for a country led by a dictator and young people who are frustrated by the lack of opportunities available to them. Many said they were upset by the Trump administration’s treatment of immigrants and other vulnerable populations.

Republican leaders spoke out ahead of the Saturday protests, blaming them for the current government shutdown and labeling them “hate America” rallies.

Bon Jovi, a longtime New Jersey resident, stopped off at his Jon Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen community restaurant in the state before joining the protest. The local haunt is offering free three-course meals to furloughed federal workers during the government shutdown.

The musician’s Soul Kitchen, which has two locations, serves hot meals to anyone who needs food. Those with means can pay and also pay it forward by contributing to another person’s meal. Those without money can volunteer at the restaurant, clearing tables or washing dishes.

Bon Jovi has been a strong supporter of the Democratic Party in the past, endorsing former Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, along with one-time Trump opponent Kamala Harris.

Other stars who attended the No Kings protests include Pedro Pascal, Kerry Washington and Jimmy Kimmel. Washington similarly posted a video and several photos showing herself at a No Kings Day protest. The “Scandal” actress wrote in the Instagram caption that she was “sending so much love and gratitude to everyone” who participated.

Ahead of the protests, Kimmel also shared a graphic on Instagram featuring a list of nicknames for Trump that those demonstrating could use on their signs, including “commander-in-thief” and “Uncle Scam.” The late-night host previously attended a Los Angeles No Kings Day rally in June.