Millions Join Anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ Protests Across US
Large-scale protests, dubbed “No Kings,” have erupted across the United States, drawing an estimated seven million participants in cities including New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles. The demonstrations are a response to President Donald Trump’s policies and expansion of executive power since returning to the White House in January. Protesters voiced concerns over what they perceive as authoritarian tendencies and a threat to American democracy.
Table of contents
Official guidance: USA.gov — official guidance for Millions join anti Trump Kings protests
Protests Erupt Across Major US Cities
New York City saw significant gatherings, with thousands packing Times Square and surrounding streets. Protestors carried signs bearing slogans such as “Democracy not Monarchy” and “The Constitution is not optional.” The New York Police Department estimated that over 100,000 people participated across the city’s five boroughs, with no protest-related arrests reported. A police officer in Times Square estimated over 20,000 people marching down 7th Avenue.
In Washington, D.C., protesters also assembled, voicing their opposition to President Trump’s administration. Although the National Guard has been deployed in the capital since August at Trump’s request, no troops were visible at the protest sites. Demonstrators held signs expressing diverse viewpoints, including one that read “I am Antifa,” a term one protester defined as supporting “peace, daycare, liveable wage, healthcare,” as well as immigrants and people of color.
Concerns Over Executive Power and Democracy
Critics of President Trump have voiced concerns over his use of executive orders to dismantle parts of the federal government and deploy National Guard troops to U.S. cities, despite objections from state governors. He has also called on law enforcement officials to prosecute his perceived enemies. These actions have led to accusations that he is behaving like a dictator or fascist, which the president has dismissed as hysterical.
Protesters expressed fears that the Trump administration’s actions are unconstitutional and pose a threat to American democracy. Massimo Mascoli, a 68-year-old retired engineer, stated that he was protesting because he was concerned the U.S. was following a similar path to that of his home country, Italy, in the last century. He specifically cited concerns over immigration crackdowns and healthcare cuts. Beth Zasloff, a freelance writer and editor who joined the New York protest, said she felt outraged at “a move toward fascism and an authoritarian government” under the Trump administration.
Political Figures Join the Demonstrations
Several Democratic politicians joined the protests across the country. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer participated in the New York protests, holding a sign that read “fix the health care crisis.” In Washington D.C., Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders delivered a keynote speech, stating, “We’re not here because we hate America, we’re here because we love America.” Democratic senators Cory Booker and Adam Schiff also posted videos of themselves attending protests.
Ahead of the demonstrations, allies of President Trump accused the protesters of being linked with the far-left Antifa movement, condemning what they called “the-hate America rally.” However, organizers maintained that the events, which drew nearly seven million people, were peaceful. Several US states had mobilized the National Guard in anticipation of the protests.
President Trump Responds to Protests
In an interview with Fox News, President Trump appeared to address the rallies. “A king! This is not an act,” Trump said in a preview clip of the interview. “You know – they’re referring to me as a king. I’m not a king.” The president has defended his actions as necessary to rebuild a country in crisis and has dismissed accusations of dictatorial behavior.
The “No Kings” protests reflect a deep divide within the United States regarding the direction of the country under President Trump’s leadership. While the president maintains that his actions are necessary to address national challenges, critics argue that his policies and expansion of executive power pose a significant threat to democratic institutions and constitutional principles.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general guidance only and may contain affiliate links. Always verify details with official sources.
Explore more: related articles.
