Americans filled streets across the country on Saturday, rallying against President Donald Trump’s leadership in nationwide “No Kings” demonstrations. Organisers coordinated over 2,600 rallies in cities including Washington, New York, Chicago, and Boston, drawing thousands of protesters.
Crowds packed Times Square before noon, chanting “Trump must go now!” and waving signs condemning his immigration policies. Demonstrators displayed messages such as “Resist Fascism” and “Nothing is more patriotic than protesting.”
The rallies had the feel of a street festival — complete with marching bands, frog-costumed activists, and a giant “We The People” banner for participants to sign. The frog costume, first popularised in Portland, has become a symbol of grassroots resistance.
This marks the third large-scale protest since Trump’s return to the White House. It comes amid a government shutdown that halted federal programs and intensified the struggle between the executive branch, Congress, and the courts. Organisers warned that Trump’s approach signals a slide toward authoritarianism.
Trump Responds as Critics Accuse Administration of Authoritarian Drift
The Republican Party dismissed the demonstrations as “Hate America” rallies, while Trump downplayed the criticism from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
“They say they’re calling me a king. I’m not a king,” Trump told Fox News before leaving for a $1 million-per-plate fundraiser at his private club.
Despite his remarks, protesters nationwide argued that his actions — from immigration raids to restrictions on free speech — betray democratic principles.
Prominent Democrats, including Senate Leader Chuck Schumer and Independent Senator Bernie Sanders, joined the movement. Organisers hailed the protest as a unified stand against executive overreach.
“There is no greater threat to tyranny than patriotic people-power,” said Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, one of the main organising groups.
Solidarity Demonstrations Sweep Across Europe
Hundreds rallied across Europe in solidarity with the American protests. US citizens living abroad led demonstrations in Madrid, Berlin, Paris, and Helsinki.
In Madrid, members of Democrats Abroad carried signs reading “No Kings,” “No Oligarchs,” and “No fascism.” Another sign jokingly declared, “No Kings — except Bad Bunny.”
Protesters in Helsinki expressed frustration with the US government’s global image.
“My European friends refuse to visit America because they fear what might happen,” one demonstrator said. “The US has damaged its reputation, and that’s because of the Trump administration.”
From New York’s Times Square to European capitals, the “No Kings” movement united citizens under one message — that democracy, not dynastic power, must guide the United States.
