Tens of millions of individuals took to the streets throughout main American cities, together with New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami. The nationwide demonstrations have been a part of the ‘No Kings’ motion, which accuses President Trump of appearing with “authoritarian tendencies” and disregarding constitutional limits. Organisers advised international media that greater than 2,600 rallies had been deliberate, marking one of many largest coordinated protest efforts in latest US historical past.
The motion’s slogan – “No Kings since 1776” – referenced the nation’s founding beliefs and its rejection of monarchy or concentrated energy.
International media reported that the protests have been pushed by rising anger over Trump’s insurance policies, together with his hard-line stance on immigration, use of the Nationwide Guard in cities and alleged makes an attempt to affect judicial and media establishments.
In Washington DC, hundreds marched in direction of the US Capitol carrying indicators that learn “No Wannabe Dictators” and “We, the Folks”. International media reported that US Senator Bernie Sanders addressed one of many rallies, saying, “No, President Trump, we do not need you or every other king to rule us. In America, we, the folks, will rule.”
Regardless of the huge turnout, international media stated the marches remained largely peaceable. Police in New York stated that no protest-related arrests have been made, at the same time as greater than 100,000 demonstrators gathered throughout all 5 boroughs.
On the West Coast, hundreds marched in Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle and San Diego, waving American flags and chanting pro-democracy slogans.
Reactions from political leaders mirrored the nation’s deep divisions. Democratic leaders, together with Senate Minority Chief Chuck Schumer and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, backed the protests, calling them a “peaceable defence of democracy.”
Home Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, dismissed the demonstrations, describing them as “hate America rallies”. A number of conservative commentators accused organisers of stirring unrest, whereas Trump himself advised Fox Enterprise in an interview aired on Friday: “They’re referring to me as a king – I am not a king.”
Vice President JD Vance, talking at a Marine gathering in California, didn’t point out the protests however criticised Democrats over the federal government shutdown, international media reported.
One of many largest civic protests in many years
The ‘No Kings’ marketing campaign, which started with smaller rallies earlier this 12 months, gained momentum following Trump’s re-election and a collection of high-profile controversies over government overreach. International media famous that the motion has grow to be a rallying level for Individuals in search of to defend democratic establishments and civil liberties.
