Democracy advocates gathered across the United States and internationally on Saturday to protest what they described as President Donald Trump’s authoritarian tendencies. The demonstrations aimed to affirm that “America has no kings, and the power belongs to the people.”
Organizers reported over 2,700 “No Kings” rallies taking place in all U.S. states and more than a dozen countries, potentially marking the largest single-day protest in American history. These events followed similar gatherings on June 14, which drew millions of participants.
Hunter Dunn, a representative from the progressive group 50501, noted that the current movement is gaining momentum. “I think this is going to be a stronger push than the last one,” he said, emphasizing a growing public awareness that the struggle for democracy is a long-term effort rather than a short-term campaign.
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) addressed a large rally in Washington, D.C., where he criticized Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson for labeling the protests as “Hate America” events. “Why does he have it wrong? Millions of Americans are coming out today not because they hate America, but because we love America,” Sanders stated.
He continued, “Today, in this dangerous moment in American history, our message is: No, President Trump, we don’t want you or any other king to rule us. We will not move toward authoritarianism in America. We the People will rule!”
Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) also spoke at the rally, asserting that Trump is “the most corrupt president in the history of the United States.” He warned that the president is implementing a plan to undermine democratic institutions such as free speech, fair elections, an independent press, and the right to protest. However, Murphy emphasized that “he has not won yet, and the people still rule in this country.”
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) addressed a crowd in Seattle, declaring that her movement would not back down or give in to Trump’s authoritarian actions. She criticized the president for dehumanizing marginalized groups, including trans individuals, immigrants, Black people, and the poor, as a distraction from his broader agenda.
Jayapal also condemned efforts by the administration to militarize communities and suppress dissent. “We are not caving in,” she said. “Right now, let’s show the power of this movement. We are the people’s movement that will save our democracy.”
Saturday’s rallies were largely peaceful and vibrant, with attendees displaying creative signs such as “Our Huddled Masses Will Defeat Your Fascist Asses” and “No Crown for the Clown!” In Chicago, a paper machete guillotine was erected in Grant Park, accompanied by the song “War Pigs” by Black Sabbath.
Mackayla Reilley, a 26-year-old protester, told the Chicago Sun-Times that the rally was about protecting immigrants and resisting Trump’s influence. “We can’t normalize this type of polarization and partisanship,” she said.
In Nashville, Tennessee, 9-year-old Iris Spragens expressed a desire for a different leader, saying she wished Dolly Parton were president. “We don’t want Trump to be king because he can be mean to a lot of immigrants,” she explained.
Wendy MacConnell, a grandmother attending the event, remarked that Republicans are trying to portray the protests as insignificant. “Look around, look around at all these people,” she said.
In Pueblo, Colorado, approximately 2,000 people gathered at the Pueblo County Government Lawn. Sydney Haney, a 23-year-old attendee, highlighted concerns over ICE operations and threats to constitutional rights, reproductive freedoms, and healthcare access.
In Bangor, Maine, progressive candidate Matt Dunlap urged the crowd to remain vigilant. “A dangerous time is upon us,” he said. “We must be bold and not afraid, hopeful and not despondent, striving for independence and rejecting subjugation by a king.”
In Atlanta, protester Linda Kelley expressed fear that the nation is approaching a critical historical moment. “We are so close to being Germany, 1938, and it’s so terrifying,” she said.
San Diego County Supervisor Paloma Aguirre, speaking in downtown San Diego, emphasized the importance of defending constitutional rights. “We have the right to free speech, to free press, and to keep our families together,” she said.
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