Thousands of protesters filled streets across the United States on Saturday, demanding change during the nationwide “No Kings” demonstrations. Organizers held more than 2,600 rallies in cities such as Washington, New York, Boston, and Chicago, alongside smaller gatherings in towns nationwide.
By noon, large crowds filled Times Square and downtown Washington, waving signs that read “Trump Must Go Now” and “Resist Fascism.” Protesters carried banners quoting the U.S. Constitution’s preamble, marched to the sound of drums, and danced in what many described as a celebration of democracy.
Some donned frog costumes, a symbol of protest originating from Portland, Oregon. Others carried slogans like “Nothing Is More Patriotic Than Protesting.” Demonstrators said they sought to defend American institutions amid what they view as growing authoritarianism under President Trump.
The demonstrations marked the third major protest since Trump returned to office, coinciding with a government shutdown that closed federal services and deepened tensions between the White House, Congress, and the courts.
Republicans Condemn Protests, Trump Dismisses “No Kings” Movement
Members of the Republican Party condemned the protests as “Hate America rallies,” accusing organizers of spreading division. President Trump, speaking from his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, brushed off criticism.
“They say they’re calling me a king. I’m not a king,” Trump told Fox News before attending a $1 million-per-plate fundraiser at his private club.
Despite his remarks, protesters continued to gather near his Florida estate. Organizers said this wave of demonstrations united more people than any earlier actions, including protests against Elon Musk’s corporate cuts and Trump’s June military parade.
Top Democrats — including Senate Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Bernie Sanders — joined the demonstrations. They described the rallies as a peaceful defense of democracy and a direct response to what they view as the administration’s assault on free speech and immigration rights.
“There is no greater threat to an authoritarian regime than patriotic people-power,” said Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, one of the main organizing groups.
European Cities Join in Solidarity with American Protesters
Rallies also spread overseas as hundreds gathered in European capitals to support protesters in the United States. Events in Madrid, Helsinki, and Berlin drew mostly American expatriates holding signs that echoed the U.S. demonstrations.
In Madrid, attendees shouted “No Kings!” while holding placards that read “No Faux-King Way” and “No Kings, No Oligarchs, No Fascism.” Protesters in Helsinki expressed fears about the United States’ global reputation.
“My European friends won’t visit the U.S. right now,” one protester said. “They’re worried about how unpredictable it’s become.”
Organizers abroad said their goal was to stand with Americans defending democratic principles. Despite criticism from Trump’s allies, they pledged to continue holding rallies as long as the administration challenged constitutional norms and civil liberties.
