Millions join ‘No Kings’ rallies across US, protest Trump and demand defence of democracy

Millions of people took to the streets across major American cities, including New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami. The nationwide demonstrations were part of the ‘No Kings’ movement, which accuses President Trump of acting with “authoritarian tendencies” and disregarding constitutional limits. Organisers told foreign media that more than 2,600 rallies had been planned, marking one of the largest coordinated protest efforts in recent US history.

The movement’s slogan – “No Kings since 1776” – referenced the country’s founding ideals and its rejection of monarchy or concentrated power.

Foreign media reported that the protests were driven by growing anger over Trump’s policies, including his hard-line stance on immigration, use of the National Guard in cities and alleged attempts to influence judicial and media institutions.

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In Washington DC, thousands marched towards the US Capitol carrying signs that read “No Wannabe Dictators” and “We, the People”. Foreign media reported that US Senator Bernie Sanders addressed one of the rallies, saying, “No, President Trump, we don’t want you or any other king to rule us. In America, we, the people, will rule.”

Despite the massive turnout, foreign media said the marches remained largely peaceful. Police in New York said that no protest-related arrests were made, even as more than 100,000 demonstrators gathered across all five boroughs.

On the West Coast, thousands marched in Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle and San Diego, waving American flags and chanting pro-democracy slogans.

Reactions from political leaders reflected the country’s deep divisions. Democratic leaders, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, backed the protests, calling them a “peaceful defence of democracy.”

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, dismissed the demonstrations, describing them as “hate America rallies”. Several conservative commentators accused organisers of stirring unrest, while Trump himself told Fox Business in an interview aired on Friday: “They’re referring to me as a king – I’m not a king.”

Vice President JD Vance, speaking at a Marine gathering in California, did not mention the protests but criticised Democrats over the government shutdown, foreign media reported.

The ‘No Kings’ campaign, which began with smaller rallies earlier this year, gained momentum following Trump’s re-election and a series of high-profile controversies over executive overreach. Foreign media noted that the movement has become a rallying point for Americans seeking to defend democratic institutions and civil liberties.