Massive crowds filled streets in cities and towns across the United States on Saturday as protesters rallied against President Donald Trump’s policies during nationwide “No Kings” demonstrations. The rallies, organized across all 50 states, drew millions demanding accountability and an end to what they describe as authoritarian governance.
Organizers said more than 2,700 protests were planned coast to coast including near Mr. Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida with millions expected to attend. At least one event took place in every U.S. state.
The scale matched similar demonstrations held on June 14, Trump’s birthday, which coincided with a military parade in Washington. Protesters said they were outraged over the administration’s crackdown on undocumented migrants and the deployment of National Guard troops to U.S. cities.
National Guard Deployments Spark Backlash
Since returning to the White House in January, Mr. Trump has ordered National Guard troops into Washington, D.C. and Memphis. Planned deployments to Chicago and Portland, Oregon have been blocked by courts.
Demonstrators voiced anger over what they call authoritarian actions including Trump’s attacks on the media, prosecutions of political opponents, and threats to democratic institutions.
“The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings,” read a statement from the official “No Kings” website. “We won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty.”
“This president is a disgrace and I hope there will be millions in the streets today,” said Stephanie, a 36-year-old hospital worker in New York’s Queens borough.
Protests Sweep Major Cities
In Los Angeles, organizers expected more than 100,000 people. Rallies also took place in Washington, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, New Orleans, and smaller towns nationwide.
In Chicago’s Grant Park, Democratic Congresswoman Delia Ramirez led chants of “When I say people, you say power!” and declared, “May that powerful voice be heard from here to Washington, D.C., and every corner of this country.”
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker joined the demonstration, saying the protests represented “the spirit of democracy in motion.”
Global Solidarity
Demonstrations were also held outside U.S. embassies in Berlin, Rome, Paris, and Stockholm in solidarity with protesters in the United States. Participants carried signs denouncing fascism and dictatorship.
In London, hundreds gathered outside the U.S. Embassy, waving American flags and chanting “No kings, no tyrants.”
Political Reaction
President Trump told Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures that he rejected claims he sought monarchical power: “They’re saying they’re referring to me as a king. I’m not a king.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson called the event a “Hate America Rally,” accusing participants of aligning with “Marxists and anarchists.” Other Republicans, including Tom Emmer and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, issued warnings against property damage or violence.
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer urged Americans to “use their voice and exercise their right to free speech,” adding, “Do not let Donald Trump and Republicans intimidate you into silence.”
From Birmingham, Alabama to Miami, Florida, crowds invoked the legacy of past civil rights movements. “It just feels like we’re living in an America I don’t recognize,” said one participant. “But seeing all these people gives me hope.”
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