Millions of Americans rallied across all 50 states on Saturday in a wave of protests known as the No Kings protest. The demonstrations targeted what participants describe as President Donald Trump’s growing authoritarianism.
From New York to Los Angeles, protesters filled streets, parks, and civic centers demanding the protection of democracy and the rejection of any “monarch-like” presidency. Many carried yellow flags and costumes, frogs, lobsters, unicorns, symbols of peaceful defiance.
The movement has quickly become one of the largest acts of political dissent in US history. Crowd estimates suggest nearly 7 million people joined the latest round of protests, surpassing participation from similar marches in June.
Who is behind the No Kings protests?
The No Kings protests are led by a coalition of progressive and grassroots groups, most prominently Indivisible, a nationwide network formed after Trump’s election in 2016.
The coalition also includes organizations such as Public Citizen, MoveOn, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and Democracy for America. Together, they coordinate logistics, safety training, and legal support.
Leah Greenberg and Ezra Levin, co-founders of Indivisible, say the movement’s message is simple: “America doesn’t have kings.” Their group has helped train thousands in nonviolent resistance and crowd safety.
Over 200 organizations have signed on as partners for the protests, covering more than a dozen anchor cities including Washington DC, Chicago, Atlanta, and San Francisco.
High-profile supporters include Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Hillary Clinton, all of whom have endorsed the movement as a defense of democratic norms.
What is this protest about?
The No Kings protests center on opposition to Trump’s efforts to expand executive power and deploy federal forces in US cities. Protesters say the president is “acting like a monarch,” undermining checks and balances.
Key issues driving the protests include the administration’s immigration raids, crackdown on dissent, and cuts to social programs such as Medicaid.
Organisers say the message is not about partisan politics but about preserving democracy. Signs reading “This is what democracy looks like” and “No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here” were common across cities.
Many demonstrators emphasized free speech. In Washington DC, attendees signed a large banner with the preamble to the US Constitution as a statement of unity.
“Trump wants us to be scared,” said Lisa Gilbert of Public Citizen. “But we won’t be bullied into silence.”
Why are these protests happening?
Americans say they are protesting because they believe democracy is under threat. Trump’s use of federal troops, his talk of a third term, and his public attacks on the judiciary and media have alarmed many.
Participants describe the marches as both a warning and a call to action. They see the rallies as proof that ordinary citizens can still stand up against power.
Many protesters link the demonstrations to Trump’s immigration policies. In Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland, thousands called for an end to ICE raids and deportations that have torn families apart.
Others came out against deep cuts to healthcare and education funding amid a government shutdown. Federal workers joined the marches to protest furloughs and shrinking public services.
At the Washington DC rally, Bernie Sanders summed up the sentiment: “This is about defending the freedoms generations fought for. We will not bow to a king.”
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