Millions of Americans poured into streets across all 50 states today, joining a massive wave of demonstrations denouncing what they described as authoritarian behavior by President Donald Trump and his administration.
Organizers said more than 7 million people took part in more than 2,600 rallies nationwide under the slogan “No Kings,” a phrase meant to reject what protesters see as efforts by Trump to expand presidential powers beyond constitutional limits.
From New York’s Times Square to Los Angeles City Hall and small towns in between, demonstrators waved American flags, held signs reading “Power Belongs to the People,” and chanted “No Kings in America.” The rallies were largely peaceful, with local officials reporting only isolated confrontations.
“This is not about party politics. It’s about protecting democracy,” said Maria Lopez, 42, who joined tens of thousands marching in Chicago’s Grant Park. “We are here because America doesn’t have kings.”
The protests followed weeks of criticism over Trump’s recent remarks suggesting he might seek to remain in office beyond his term and reports of increased federal involvement in state-level law-enforcement actions. Civil-rights groups and opposition politicians accused the administration of undermining democratic norms and intimidating critics.
In Washington, crowds filled the National Mall while opposition lawmakers, including Senator Bernie Sanders, addressed the rally. “Millions of Americans are out today not because they hate this country, but because they love it,” Sanders told supporters. “We will never bow to a king.”
Trump dismissed the demonstrations on his social-media platform, calling them “fake and ridiculous” and insisting that his actions were “fully constitutional.” White House aides said the president was briefed on the protests but planned no statement beyond his online comments.
Authorities in New York, Los Angeles, and several other cities said the events remained peaceful, with participants cooperating with police. In New York alone, officials estimated that more than 100,000 people joined the demonstrations.
Analysts said the “No Kings” movement marks one of the largest single-day protest turnouts in recent U.S. history. Organizers said further rallies are planned in the coming weeks, including coordinated voter-registration drives ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. (Newswire)
