Huge crowds have filled the streets in major U.S. cities including New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles as part of nationwide “No Kings” demonstrations opposing President Donald Trump’s policies and what critics describe as his growing concentration of power.
In New York City, thousands packed Times Square and nearby streets carrying signs that read “Democracy, Not Monarchy” and “The Constitution Is Not Optional.” Similar scenes were reported across the country, with peaceful rallies drawing diverse groups of Americans calling for the protection of democratic institutions.
Ahead of the protests, some Trump allies accused demonstrators of being connected to left-wing groups such as Antifa, labeling the events “anti-American rallies.” However, organizers emphasized that the gatherings were peaceful and focused on defending constitutional democracy.
Authorities in several states had placed the National Guard on standby, though no major incidents were reported. The New York Police Department estimated over 100,000 participants citywide, confirming zero protest-related arrests.
Since returning to the White House in January, President Trump has issued a wave of executive orders, reshaping federal agencies and authorizing the deployment of National Guard troops to several cities moves that state governors and legal experts say may exceed presidential authority.
The President has defended his actions, claiming they are essential to “rebuild a country in crisis.” He dismissed accusations of authoritarianism, telling Fox News, “You know they’re calling me a king. I’m not a king.”
At the New York rally, protesters chanted “This is what democracy looks like” as drums and cheers echoed through Times Square.
Among them was Beth Zasloff, a freelance writer who said she joined the protest because she fears a “move toward fascism and authoritarian government.” Another attendee, Massimo Mascoli, a 68-year-old Italian-American, said he worries the U.S. is “following the same dangerous path” Italy once did in the 20th century.
In Washington D.C., demonstrators gathered near the National Mall. While the National Guard had been activated in prior months, no troops were seen during the protest. One participant held a sign reading “I Am Antifa”, which he said symbolized support for “peace, fair wages, healthcare, and equality.”
Several Democratic leaders joined or voiced support for the protests.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “We have no kings in America and we won’t allow anyone to erode our democracy.”
Bernie Sanders addressed a crowd in Washington, saying, “We’re not here because we hate America we’re here because we love America.”
Other lawmakers, including Cory Booker, Adam Schiff, and Chris Murphy, praised the “unprecedented turnout” and called it one of the largest peaceful protest days in U.S. history.
Republican governors in states like Texas and Virginia drew criticism for activating National Guard units ahead of the protests. Democrats argued the move mirrored “actions taken by kings and dictators” rather than democratically elected leaders.
The movement also gained traction internationally, with solidarity rallies taking place in Berlin, Madrid, Rome, London, and Toronto. Outside the U.S. embassy in London, protesters waved American flags and signs reading “Hands Off Democracy” and “Hands Off Canada.”
Recent Reuters/Ipsos polls show Trump’s approval rating hovering around 40%, with 58% disapproving mirroring his lowest levels from his first term. Political analysts note that while presidents often lose popularity over time, the deep national divide over Trump’s leadership has made the U.S. political climate especially volatile.
For many protesters, the message was clear: No kings. No unchecked power. Only democracy.
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