Millions of Americans participated in widespread “No Kings” protests on Saturday, demonstrating against President Donald Trump’s policies in major cities including New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles. In New York City, Times Square and surrounding streets were filled with demonstrators holding signs with messages like “Democracy not Monarchy” and “The Constitution is not optional.” Despite accusations from Trump allies linking protesters to the far-left Antifa movement and labeling the events as “hate America rallies,” organizers reported that the demonstrations, which saw nearly seven million participants, remained peaceful.
Since taking office, Trump has utilized executive orders to implement significant policy changes, including governmental restructuring and the deployment of National Guard troops to cities, often without the consent of state governors. He has also called for the prosecution of political opponents. While Trump dismisses criticism as hysteria and states his actions are necessary to address a national crisis, opponents argue that his administration’s moves are unconstitutional and pose a threat to democratic principles.
In a preview of an upcoming interview, Trump commented on the protests, stating, “A king! This is not an act…they’re referring to me as a king. I’m not a king.”
The New York Police Department reported over 100,000 participants across the city’s boroughs, with no protest-related arrests made. Chants of “This is what democracy looks like” were a constant feature, accompanied by a persistent drumbeat. Helicopters and drones monitored the large crowds.
Protester Beth Zasloff, a freelance writer, expressed her distress over what she perceives as a move toward fascism under the current administration, finding hope in the large turnout. Massimo Mascoli, a retired engineer from New Jersey, drew parallels between current events and Italy’s history in the last century, voicing particular concern over immigration policies and healthcare cuts. He emphasized the perceived lack of support from governmental branches, stating, “We have all the legislative, the executive and judiciary that are all against the American people right now. So we are fighting.”
Similar protests were held internationally, with demonstrations in Berlin, Madrid, and Rome showing solidarity with the US. Hundreds gathered outside the US embassy in London, and Toronto saw demonstrators near the US consulate waving signs, including “Hands off Canada.”
Public opinion remains divided on President Trump, with a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll indicating only 40% approval. This trend reflects a common pattern of declining presidential approval during a term. While some on the right have characterized the rallies as “hate America” events, participants pushed back against this label. Senator Bernie Sanders stated at a Washington D.C. rally, “We’re not here because we hate America, we’re here because we love America.” Senator Chris Murphy shared footage of the Connecticut turnout, calling it “Breathtaking” and potentially the largest peaceful protest day in U.S. history.
Despite the peaceful nature of the demonstrations, Republican governors in several states had placed National Guard troops on standby. Kansas Senator Roger Marshall expressed doubt about the protests remaining peaceful. Texas Governor Greg Abbott activated the state’s National Guard, citing a “planned antifa-linked demonstration” in Austin, where an estimated 30,000 people protested peacefully. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin also activated the National Guard, though reports indicate no troops were visibly present at the protests.
In Washington D.C., where the National Guard has been deployed since August at Trump’s request, no military presence was noted at the protest. One demonstrator held a sign reading “I am Antifa,” which protester Chuck Epes explained as a symbolic statement of support for peace, livable wages, and healthcare, criticizing the administration’s perceived “gaslighting.”
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