Across the United States on Saturday, demonstrations under the banner of “No Kings” unfolded in over 3,200 locations, marking the third large-scale mobilization against the policies and rhetoric of President Donald Trump. From major metropolitan areas like Recent York and Los Angeles to smaller communities nationwide, protesters voiced opposition to issues ranging from immigration policies and potential military escalation in the Middle East to concerns about the erosion of democratic norms. The scale of the protests, organizers say, demonstrates a sustained and growing resistance movement ahead of this year’s midterm elections.
The “No Kings” movement, which began last year on Trump’s birthday, aims to challenge what participants describe as authoritarian tendencies within the administration. The first mobilization in June 2023 drew an estimated 4 to 6 million participants across roughly 2,100 sites, whereas a second event in October saw approximately 7 million people participate in over 2,700 cities, according to a crowdsourcing analysis by data journalist G. Elliott Morris. Saturday’s events built on that momentum, with a notable increase in participation from smaller communities – a nearly 40 percent jump since the initial mobilization.
Minnesota as a Focal Point
In Minnesota, a state that has seen heightened tensions surrounding immigration enforcement, a large rally took place outside the State Capitol in Saint Paul. The demonstration served as a memorial for Renee Good and Alex Pretti, two individuals fatally shot by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis earlier this year. The shootings sparked outrage and fueled calls for greater accountability in immigration enforcement practices. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the Democratic nominee for Vice President in 2024, addressed the crowd, stating that their resistance embodies “the heart and soul” of what is good about the United States.
“They call us radicals,” Walz said, according to reports from the event. “You’re damn right we’ve been radicalised — radicalised by compassion, radicalised by decency, radicalised by due process, radicalised by democracy, and radicalised to do all we can to oppose authoritarianism.”
The rally also featured appearances by Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, a longtime critic of President Trump, and musician Bruce Springsteen, who performed his song “Streets of Minneapolis,” a track that addresses the immigration crackdown and the deaths of Good and Pretti. Sanders emphasized the importance of popular power, stating, “We will not allow this country to descend into authoritarianism or oligarchy in America. We, the people, will rule.”
Nationwide Demonstrations and Clashes
Beyond Minnesota, significant rallies were held in New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. In New York City, police estimated that tens of thousands of people marched through midtown Manhattan, stretching for over ten blocks. Actor Robert De Niro, one of the organizers, asserted that no previous president has posed “such an existential threat to our freedoms and security.” Holly Bemiss, a 54-year-old attendee, drew parallels between the protests and the American Revolution, stating, “We fought against having kings, and we fought for freedom. We’re just doing it again.”
However, not all demonstrations were peaceful. In Dallas, clashes erupted between “No Kings” protesters and counterprotesters, including members associated with Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the Proud Boys, a far-right organization. NBC DFW reported that minor scuffles broke out when counterprotesters blocked streets, leading to several arrests by Dallas police.
Broader Political Context
The protests come as President Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 36 percent, the lowest point since returning to the White House, according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll. Organizers of the “No Kings” movement are actively working to capitalize on this discontent, with a particular focus on registering voters in deeply Republican states like Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, and Utah, as well as competitive suburban areas in Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Arizona.
A spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee criticized Democratic politicians for supporting the rallies, calling them “Hate America Rallies” and alleging they provide a platform for “violent, deranged fantasies.”
Beyond domestic policy, the protests also served as a call to action against the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel in Iran. Morgan Taylor, who attended the Washington protest with her son, expressed outrage over what she described as a “stupid war,” arguing that the U.S. Is not under attack and has no need to be involved.
The “No Kings” movement’s continued mobilization suggests a sustained level of opposition to President Trump’s policies and a determination to influence the upcoming midterm elections. Organizers are planning further actions and voter registration drives in the coming months, aiming to translate public discontent into political change. The next major checkpoint will be the filing deadlines for candidates in several key states in May and June, which will provide a clearer picture of the electoral landscape.
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