Mass nationwide ‘No Kings’ protests erupt across US against Trump’s policies

Thousands of people across all 50 U.S. states took to the streets to express anger over President Donald Trump’s hardline policies, in demonstrations organized under the banner “No Kings.” Senior Republican leaders mockingly referred to the rallies as “Hate America protests.”

According to international news agencies, more than 2,700 coordinated demonstrations were held nationwide—from New York and Washington to smaller towns in Michigan—with organizers estimating participation in the millions, potentially making it one of the largest mass protests in U.S. history.

The movement follows similar demonstrations held in June and opposes policies critics say are pushing the country toward authoritarianism.

“This is what democracy looks like!” chanted thousands gathered near Washington’s National Mall, waving U.S. flags and shouting slogans such as “Hey hey, ho ho, Donald Trump has to go!”

Protesters expressed outrage at what they described as an escalating crackdown since Trump’s return to power, citing attacks on the media, prosecutions of political rivals, and mass immigration raids, with National Guard troops deployed in cities including Los Angeles, Washington, and Memphis.

The protests came as the U.S. government shutdown entered its third week, following the administration’s failure to secure legislation, which led to the termination of thousands of federal employees.

Large crowds gathered in New York’s Times Square, Boston Common, and Chicago’s Grant Park, while in Los Angeles, organizers expected over 100,000 demonstrators and planned to fly a massive balloon caricature of Trump wearing a diaper.

“I never thought I’d witness the collapse of my democracy,” said 69-year-old retiree Colleen Hoffman in New York. “We’re in a crisis. This government is cruel and authoritarian. I can’t just sit at home and do nothing.”

President Trump’s reaction was measured, but his allies responded sharply. House Speaker Mike Johnson labeled the event a “Hate America rally,” claiming it was dominated by Marxists, socialists, Antifa, anarchists, and pro-Hamas Democrats.

Republican lawmaker Tom Emmer echoed the sentiment, describing the demonstrators as part of the “Democratic Party’s terrorist wing.” Some GOP leaders warned the rallies could incite political violence, particularly after the September killing of Trump ally and political activist Charlie Kirk.

During an interview on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures,” Trump commented on the protests’ name, saying: “They’re calling me a king. I’m not a king.”

The “No Kings” movement is being led by a coalition of over 300 local organizations, spearheaded by the progressive group Indivisible Project.