‘No Kings’ protests set record with 3,300 rallies across all 50 states in US
For many participants, the protests were a response to what they perceive as assaults on democratic values, including stricter immigration enforcement, restrictions on abortion rights, and another controversial war.
Protesters took to the streets on Saturday in over 3,300 rallies spanning all 50 US states for the "No Kings", a movement which promotes nonviolent opposition to what its organisers see as authoritarian leadership in the White House and beyond.
The marches represented the third nationwide action for the grassroots campaign, which initially emerged as an outlet for those frustrated with the Trump administration, reports the Washington Post.
For many participants, the protests were a response to what they perceive as assaults on democratic values, including stricter immigration enforcement, restrictions on abortion rights, and another controversial war.
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The overarching focus of the day was executive overreach, with no single issue dominating the agenda.
Still, the meaning of No Kings varied widely among attendees. Some joined to defend fundamental democratic principles, while others simply expressed disapproval of President Donald Trump.
"It's just … everything," said Caitlin Pease, 37, attending her first protest in a Republican-leaning Upstate New York county with her 14-month-old daughter.
Her sign read, "It's so bad the introverts are out here."
The rallies come as Trump's approval ratings have hit new lows, with even some former staunch supporters showing signs of frustration.
Criticisms range from the president's involvement in a new conflict with Iran, which has claimed 13 US military lives and injured hundreds more, to rising fuel and grocery costs, higher prices for consumer goods due to tariffs, and extended delays at airports caused by government inefficiencies.
Republicans have dismissed No Kings as ineffectual, with Trump calling the marches a "joke" featuring "whacked out" participants.
While exact turnout is difficult to confirm, organisers of the left-leaning coalition behind No Kings predicted record-breaking crowds.
Previous nationwide protests in October reportedly drew around 7 million people, and interest has only grown since then as critics of Trump channel post-election frustration into collective action.
Whether these demonstrations will influence policy or elections is uncertain.
Nonetheless, for participants, the sight of resistance from major cities to small towns, including areas near Mar-a-Lago, demonstrates that democracy continues to thrive, even under a president they criticise as a self-proclaimed "king."
The movement has also gained international momentum, with rallies reported in at least 15 countries, including Rome, Paris, Madrid, Amsterdam, Sydney, and Tokyo.
These global gatherings come amid concerns that Trump's military actions could escalate into broader conflicts.
Across the United States, demonstrators protested a wide array of issues including the extravagance of Trump's White House ballroom, support for Ukraine, the Pentagon's potential ground operations abroad, Republican attempts to eliminate vote-by-mail, and ICE operations that have instilled fear in local communities.
Minnesota hosts flagship rally
Minnesota hosted what No Kings described as its flagship event, with thousands gathering outside the State Capitol.
Ezra Levin, co-founder of progressive nonprofit Indivisible, called it "the largest protest in Minnesota history."
Notably, the rally took place nine months after the fatal attack on one of the state's top Democratic lawmakers and her husband.
Despite police warnings linking the assailant to No Kings materials, people attended in large numbers.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz praised the protesters' resolve, stating in St Paul, "When democracy itself seemed to be at risk, it was Minnesota who said, 'not on my watch.'"
The event featured a performance by Bruce Springsteen, who sang a piece inspired by the January deaths of Renée Good and Alex Pretti, allegedly at the hands of federal immigration agents.
The lyrics referenced what he described as "King Trump's private army from the DHS, guns belted to their coats, enforcing the law in Minneapolis."
Demonstrations across the country
In Washington, DC, marchers crossed the bridge where Trump plans to construct one of the world's tallest arches, paraded along the National Mall near his proposed "National Garden of American Heroes," and gathered within view of the White House grounds, where his ballroom replaces the East Wing.
Along Route 66, a mix of veteran activists and first-time participants waved American flags and carried signs reading, "Fight for democracy" and "History Has its Eyes on Us," with drivers honking in support.
Some attendees concealed their identities, fearing professional repercussions from federal authorities who often label government work as "waste, fraud, and abuse."
Others explained they had assisted immigrants who went into hiding due to ICE enforcement, noting that raising awareness of government policies and their effects on everyday Americans was a core purpose of the protest.
Some hoped the movement could influence elections, pointing to recent victories such as that of Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger (D).
Kim, 56, a federal worker, described how prior fears of losing her job kept her away from earlier demonstrations.
However, she said that Trump's foreign interventions and domestic policies compelled her to participate.
She also expressed concern that ICE operations could disrupt the vital workforce of caretakers who support her son with special needs.
Katie Pegoraro, 52, an IT manager from Arlington, dressed as a large red balloon dog reminiscent of a Jeff Koons sculpture.
She dubbed her presence "joyful resistance" and held a sign that read, "Due Process." The deaths of Good and Pretti had prompted her to take action beyond just voting.
Robyn Friedman, 72, who travelled from Virginia Beach for the march, noted that while protests can sometimes feel inconsequential, particularly in Republican strongholds, they are still meaningful, citing the recent election win of Spanberger as an example.
In Glens Falls, a Republican-heavy county where Trump won all three of his presidential runs, hundreds joined the nationwide festivities.
Dan Szczesny, 59, a lifelong Republican who left the party in 2016, expressed deep concern about the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The situation in Iran was on the minds of many, especially after an overnight Iranian attack injured at least ten US troops at a Saudi air base.
Marsha Luzier, 57, a former Air Force member, said she found it heartbreaking to see American soldiers involved in a war she believes should not be occurring.
On the West Coast, California's rallies were just beginning as East Coast protests wound down.
Near Los Angeles City Hall, organisers expected more than 100,000 attendees, who danced to a live band playing upbeat Spanish-language music.
John Mena, 62, a disabled US Army veteran born in Ecuador but raised in the United States, said Trump had turned him into an activist.
Mena cited the economy as his main concern, describing the current period as a "golden era of high prices" exacerbated by the war in Iran.
Yet he found optimism in the turnout, believing it showed that many Americans are still willing to stand up for their beliefs.
