Americans filled the streets on Saturday in over 2,600 “No Kings” rallies nationwide, protesting President Donald Trump’s leadership. Thousands gathered in major cities including New York, Washington, Boston, and Chicago, demanding accountability and democratic integrity.
Crowds packed Times Square and Washington, D.C., chanting “Trump must go now!” while waving banners denouncing his immigration policies. Signs read “Nothing is more patriotic than protesting” and “Resist Fascism.” Many demonstrations resembled vibrant street festivals, featuring marching bands, music, and a massive banner displaying the U.S. Constitution’s preamble for people to sign.
In Portland, Oregon, protesters dressed as frogs — a new symbol of resistance — danced in the streets. The day’s events marked the third large-scale mobilization since Trump’s return to office. The rallies unfolded during a government shutdown, as Trump clashed with Congress and the courts, prompting fears of growing authoritarianism.
Republican leaders branded the movement as “Hate America rallies.” Meanwhile, Trump stayed at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, where additional protests gathered nearby.
“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 MAGA fundraiser at his club.
Organizers Unite Opposition and Demand Democratic Accountability
Protest organizers described the movement as a unifying force for those resisting Trump’s policies. Earlier protests this year targeted Elon Musk’s mass layoffs and Trump’s military parade, but Saturday’s demonstrations drew broader participation across the political spectrum.
Top Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Bernie Sanders, joined the rallies. Activists framed the protests as a defense of democracy and an act of patriotism in the face of Trump’s hardline approach.
“There is no greater threat to authoritarianism than patriotic people-power,” said Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, one of the main organizing groups.
Participants accused the administration of stifling free speech, expanding executive overreach, and militarizing immigration enforcement. Many attendees waved American flags and carried placards declaring “Democracy, Not Dictatorship” and “Power Belongs to the People.”
Global Demonstrations Show Solidarity with U.S. Protesters
Supporters abroad joined the movement as Europeans held solidarity rallies in major cities including Madrid, Helsinki, and Paris. Hundreds of U.S. citizens living overseas gathered to echo the message of the “No Kings” protests.
In Madrid, demonstrators chanted and waved signs such as “No Kings,” “No Oligarchs,” and “Trump stop humping Putin’s leg like a dog!” The event, organized by Democrats Abroad, attracted widespread attention.
In Helsinki, protesters criticized America’s global reputation.
“Many Europeans won’t visit the U.S. anymore,” one demonstrator said. “They fear what could happen under this administration.”
Banners reading “No Kings – except Bad Bunny” and “No Faux-king Way” added humor to the message of resistance.
Across continents, demonstrators emphasized the same demand: a rejection of authoritarianism and a reaffirmation of democratic values in the face of Trump’s divisive rule.
