Across the United States, massive crowds have gathered for “No Kings” demonstrations, protesting President Donald Trump’s policies. Major cities like New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles saw significant turnouts.
In New York City’s iconic Times Square, thousands of demonstrators filled the streets and subway entrances, holding signs with slogans such as “Democracy not Monarchy” and “The Constitution is not optional.” Organizers emphasized that the events were peaceful and aimed to de-escalate any potential conflicts.
Despite accusations from Trump allies linking the protests to the far-left Antifa movement and labeling them as “hate America rallies,” participants maintained that the demonstrations were peaceful. The New York Police Department reported that over 100,000 people participated across the city’s boroughs, with no protest-related arrests made. An NYPD officer estimated over 20,000 people marched down 7th Avenue in Times Square alone.
Protester Beth Zasloff expressed outrage and distress over what she described as a “move toward fascism and an authoritarian government,” stating that seeing so many people together gave her hope.
Massimo Mascoli, a retired engineer who grew up in Italy, drew parallels between the current US political climate and the rise of fascism in his home country during the last century. He expressed concern that the US might be heading down a similar path.
The protests highlight deep divisions within the American populace regarding President Trump’s leadership. While Trump has defended his actions as necessary for rebuilding the country and dismissed criticisms as “hysterical,” opponents argue that some of his administration’s moves are unconstitutional and pose a threat to American democracy. Concerns were specifically raised about immigration policies, tariffs, and the deployment of National Guard troops into cities.
In Washington D.C., Senator Bernie Sanders addressed a crowd, emphasizing that the protesters were motivated by love for America, not hatred. While some instances of minor conflict were observed, overall, the protests were characterized by peaceful assembly.
Similar demonstrations of solidarity took place in Europe, with rallies in Berlin, Madrid, and Rome, as well as in London and Toronto. President Trump, in a preview of an interview, acknowledged the use of the term “king” to refer to him but stated, “I’m not a king.”
The deployment of National Guard troops in some states, such as Texas, ahead of the protests has drawn criticism, with opponents likening the action to that of dictators. Democrats have voiced concerns that such measures are being used to suppress peaceful dissent.
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