Large-scale demonstrations against the Trump administration are underway in cities across the United States, marking the third iteration of “No Kings” rallies, which have previously drawn crowds numbering in the millions.
Organizers state the protests are in response to policies enacted by U.S. President Donald Trump, citing concerns over military action in Iran, federal immigration enforcement, and the increasing cost of living.
“Trump seeks to rule as a tyrant. However, this is America, where power resides with the people, not with aspiring kings or their wealthy associates,” organizers stated.
A White House spokesperson dismissed the protests as “Trump Derangement Therapy Sessions,” adding that the only individuals concerned “are the reporters who are paid to cover them.”
Throughout Saturday, demonstrations unfolded in nearly every major U.S. city, including New York, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles.
Rallies occupied the streets of downtown Washington D.C. throughout the afternoon, with large numbers marching through the nation’s capital. Demonstrators lined the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and filled the National Mall.
Mirroring previous “No Kings” events, protesters displayed effigies of Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other administration officials, demanding their removal and arrest.
One of the key “No Kings” protests on Saturday took place in Minnesota, the site of the January deaths of two American citizens, Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, at the hands of federal immigration agents. Their deaths triggered widespread outrage and nationwide protests against the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
Thousands filled the streets with signs, joined by a number of prominent Democrats who took the stage outside the State Capitol building in St. Paul.
Bruce Springsteen also performed his song “Streets of Minneapolis,” which is critical of immigration enforcement.
Thousands also gathered in New York City’s Times Square, marching through Manhattan’s Midtown neighborhood. Police were compelled to close normally busy streets to accommodate the crowds. In October, the New York Police Department estimated that over 100,000 people had gathered across the city’s five boroughs.
The previous “No Kings” rally in October reportedly drew nearly seven million participants nationwide.
Several U.S. states mobilized the National Guard, though organizers have emphasized the peaceful nature of the events.
Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has broadened the scope of presidential power, employing executive orders to dismantle aspects of the federal government and deploying National Guard troops to U.S. cities, despite objections from state governors.
The president has also urged top law enforcement officials to prosecute those he perceives as political adversaries.
The president maintains that his actions are necessary to restore a nation in crisis and has dismissed accusations of dictatorial behavior as exaggerated. “They’re calling me a king. I’m not a king,” he stated in a Fox News interview in October.
However, critics warn that certain actions by his administration are unconstitutional and pose a threat to American democracy.
Crowds have gathered in both major cities and smaller towns. “No Kings” rallies are commencing in Boston, Massachusetts; Nashville, Tennessee; and Houston, Texas. More large-city protests are anticipated throughout the day.
Streets are also lined with protesters in cities such as Shelbyville, Kentucky, and Howell, Michigan, which has a population of approximately 10,000.
Demonstrators are holding signs protesting the war in Iran and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in various neighborhoods.
American expatriates abroad are also gathering to protest. Crowds have assembled in Paris, London, and Lisbon, with many holding signs denouncing the president as a “fascist” and a “war criminal,” while also calling for his impeachment and removal from office.
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