An estimated 8 million Americans rallied against President Donald Trump’s policies and governing style, marking the largest ‘No Kings’ protest to date.
MINNEAPOLIS: Massive crowds protested across the United States on Saturday in a nationwide day of action against President Donald Trump.
Organisers for the grassroots ‘No Kings’ movement said at least 8 million people gathered at more than 3,300 events in all 50 states. US authorities did not provide a national crowd estimate.
It was the third such nationwide protest in less than a year. The movement has become the most visible conduit for opposition to Trump since he began his second term in January 2025.
In New York, tens of thousands of demonstrators rallied, including actor Robert De Niro. He called the president “an existential threat to our freedoms and security.”
Protests unfolded from Atlanta to San Diego, with Alaskans joining later in the day. In Washington, thousands marched on the National Mall carrying banners like “Trump Must Go Now!”
“No country can govern without the consent of the people,” 36-year-old military veteran Marc McCaughey told AFP in Atlanta. “We’re out here because we feel that the Constitution is under threat.”
The anti-Trump mood spilled beyond US borders. Rallies were also held in European cities including Amsterdam, Madrid and Rome.
Organisers said Saturday’s turnout exceeded an estimated 7 million participants from the previous protest in October. The first ‘No Kings’ day coincided with Trump’s 79th birthday last June.
Trump’s approval rating has sunk below 40%. The midterm elections in November could see his Republican Party lose control of both chambers of Congress.
Foes criticise his use of executive power, his immigration crackdown, and his foreign policy. “Since the last time we marched, this administration has dragged us deeper into war,” said Naveed Shah of the veterans’ association Common Defense.
A key focus was the northern state of Minnesota. The twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul became ground zero for the national debate over Trump’s immigration policies.
Leftist politician Bernie Sanders addressed the Minnesota rally. “We will never accept a president who is a pathological liar, a kleptocrat and a narcissist who is undermining the Constitution,” he told the crowd.
Legendary rocker Bruce Springsteen performed his protest song “Streets of Minneapolis” in St. Paul. He wrote the ballad in memory of two US citizens shot dead by federal agents during January protests.
“Their bravery, their sacrifice and their names will not be forgotten,” Springsteen said before breaking into song. Trump himself was in Florida for the weekend.
