Millions join anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ protests across US — a massive display of resistance that filled city streets from New York to Los Angeles as Americans rallied against what they see as a growing threat to democracy.
Across the country, nearly seven million people participated in demonstrations condemning President Donald Trump’s policies and what critics call his “authoritarian expansion of power.” The protests, united under the slogan “No Kings,” became one of the largest peaceful movements in US history.
A Nation Takes to the Streets
In New York City, Times Square transformed into a sea of banners and chants. Protesters carried signs that read “Democracy Not Monarchy” and “The Constitution Is Not Optional.” The iconic Trump “baby blimp” floated over the crowd — a recurring symbol of resistance that has followed Trump’s rallies for years.
The New York Police Department estimated more than 100,000 people gathered across all boroughs, and notably, no arrests were made. Similar scenes played out in Washington DC, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, and smaller towns across the nation.
In Washington DC, thousands filled the streets near the White House, chanting, “This is what democracy looks like.” The National Guard was on standby in several states but remained largely unseen at the demonstrations, which were described as peaceful yet powerful.
Voices from the Ground
Among the protesters was Beth Zasloff, a freelance writer who joined the New York march. “I feel distressed at this move toward fascism and an authoritarian government,” she said. “It gives me hope to be out here with so many others.”
Massimo Mascoli, a 68-year-old retired engineer from New Jersey, compared the US political climate to pre-fascist Italy. “We cannot count on the Supreme Court, Congress, or the government,” he said. “So, we are fighting.”
In Kansas City, someone in a frog costume carried a sign that read “Ribbit, Resist, Repeat,” while families with children waved banners depicting the Statue of Liberty in tears. These creative displays turned what could have been a grim protest into a spirited show of unity.
Political Reactions
Democratic leaders openly supported the rallies. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer posted photos of himself holding a sign that read “Fix the Health Care Crisis,” writing, “We have no dictators in America — and we won’t allow Trump to erode our democracy.”
Bernie Sanders addressed a massive crowd in Washington, declaring, “We’re not here because we hate America. We’re here because we love America.”
Senators Cory Booker, Adam Schiff, and Chris Murphy also praised the turnout, calling it “the biggest day of peaceful protest in the nation’s 250-year history.”
Republican governors in states like Texas and Virginia placed the National Guard on standby — a move sharply criticized by Democrats. Texas Democrat Gene Wu argued, “Sending soldiers to suppress peaceful protests is what kings and dictators do — and Greg Abbott just proved he’s one of them.”
The Global Ripple
The movement wasn’t limited to American soil. Protests erupted in European cities including Berlin, Madrid, Rome, and London, where hundreds gathered outside the US embassy waving banners of solidarity. In Toronto, demonstrators held signs reading “Hands Off Canada,” expressing concern over Trump’s global influence.
The BBC and Reuters reported similar scenes of unity abroad, marking this as a worldwide expression of concern for democracy and freedom.
A Divided America
A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed Trump’s approval rating stands at 40%, with 58% disapproving of his leadership. Despite returning to the White House in January, critics argue his administration’s use of executive orders, federal crackdowns, and judicial influence reflect an alarming concentration of power.
Trump, however, denies these accusations. In an upcoming Fox News interview, he responded to the rallies: “A king? This is not an act. I’m not a king.” Yet his moves to expand presidential authority continue to fuel public unrest and debate.
End of an Empire, Beginning of a Warning
The “No Kings” protests mark a pivotal moment in modern American history — one where citizens across generations united to reaffirm their faith in democracy. The message from the streets is clear: no leader, however powerful, stands above the Constitution.
Whether this movement sparks change or becomes another chapter in America’s long struggle for equality and freedom remains to be seen. But for millions, this day was a reminder — the power in a democracy still belongs to the people.
Source: BBC News
