Millions Across the U.S. Protest Trump in ‘No Kings’ Marches + Video

According to Rokna, citing The Guardian, millions of Americans in all 50 states took to the streets on Saturday for the “No Kings” protests, a sweeping nationwide demonstration opposing what many view as a slide toward authoritarianism under former President Donald Trump. The movement carried a unified message: there should be no kings in the United States.

The massive rallies marked the second major mobilization of the No Kings coalition, which also organized the historic June protests — among the largest in U.S. history. Participants in towns and cities of every size joined together with signs, music, and inflatable costumes, including the now-symbolic frogs that first appeared in Portland, Oregon, as a form of creative resistance.

This surge in organized protest represents a stark shift from just six months ago, when Democrats appeared unsure how to confront Republican dominance of the White House and Congress after painful electoral setbacks.

“What we’re seeing from Democrats is a backbone,” said Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, a leading organizing group. “The worst thing they could do now is give up.”

In Chicago, tens of thousands gathered at Grant Park’s Butler Field, holding signs mocking Trump and federal immigration enforcement. Local broadcasters cautioned audiences about the explicit language on display, with some banners reading “Hands Off Chicago” and “Resist Fascism.” The Chicago Tribune estimated the crowd at around 100,000.

Mayor Brandon Johnson declared that the Trump administration was attempting to “reignite the civil war,” vowing, “We will not bow, we will not bend, and we will not allow troops in our city.”

In Los Angeles, 72-year-old protester Ginny Eschbach attended her 42nd demonstration since Trump’s first inauguration, donning a SpongeBob costume after failing to find an inflatable frog suit. “We’re serious, but we’re not dangerous or violent,” she said. “We’re just not happy.”

She expressed alarm over what she described as the administration’s erosion of free speech rights. “The attack on universities, the media, and now on peaceful assembly — that’s my greatest concern,” she said.

Over 200,000 protesters rallied near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., while similar scenes unfolded across the country. Many demonstrators wore animal costumes — a creative form of protest that began during immigration enforcement marches in Portland.

Although Portland’s main protest remained peaceful, federal officers clashed with a smaller group outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility, deploying gas canisters at demonstrators.

In Santa Fe, participants dressed as unicorns, chickens, and lobsters. “It’s about the absurdity of it all,” said resident Amy Adler.

In Georgia, thousands gathered at the Atlanta Civic Center before marching to the state capitol. “If you’re an American citizen, you should be deeply concerned,” warned Senator Raphael Warnock, criticizing the growing federal presence in U.S. cities.

Trump has attempted to deploy federal troops and expand immigration enforcement, while accusing left-leaning organizations of supporting terrorism or political violence. Cities have largely resisted through lawsuits, and citizens have responded with mass demonstrations against militarization.

Republicans have described the No Kings protests as “anti-American” and linked them to Antifa, while Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced plans to send the state’s National Guard to Austin.

Several prominent lawmakers — including Senators Bernie Sanders, Chuck Schumer, and Chris Murphy — attended the rallies. Organizers emphasized their commitment to nonviolent action, with tens of thousands trained in de-escalation tactics.

“The president wants us to be scared,” said Lisa Gilbert, co-president of Public Citizen. “But we refuse to be silenced or intimidated. We’ll stand tall and speak our truth.”

Over 200 organizations supported the 18 October events, focusing demonstrations in cities such as Washington D.C., San Francisco, Atlanta, New York, Houston, Chicago, and New Orleans.

The slogan “No Kings” reflects growing fears of Trump’s authoritarian tendencies. In an interview, Trump rejected the label, saying, “I’m not a king.” Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson called the protests a “hate America rally.”

Responding in Washington, Senator Bernie Sanders countered: “Millions are marching not because they hate America, but because they love it. They’re standing up for democracy and freedom.”

Protest organizers accuse Trump of abusing taxpayer money to expand his power, defying courts, deporting people without due process, and hinting at a third term. Leftist groups like the Socialist Equality Party called for a stronger political program, warning that “anger alone cannot stop dictatorship.”

Public Citizen described the demonstrations as a defense of democracy against “the most unlawful administration in American history.” The June protests had drawn between 2 and 4.8 million participants across 2,000 locations — likely the largest day of protest since the 2017 Women’s March.