Thousands of protesters across all 50 U.S. states took to the streets on Saturday in coordinated “No Kings” demonstrations opposing President Donald Trump’s policies. The protests ranged from small gatherings in rural towns to large rallies in major cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago.
A Day of Defiance
Organized by a coalition of groups connected to previous nationwide protests, the “No Kings” movement branded Saturday as a “day of defiance” against what they describe as “authoritarian overreach” by President Trump and his allies. The demonstrations were planned before recent federal immigration raids sparked additional unrest in cities like Los Angeles.
Protest organizers deliberately avoided Washington, D.C., where a military parade was held to celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, coinciding with President Trump’s 79th birthday. The parade was seen by many as a theatrical display, and the president warned that any protesters at the event would be met with “very big force.”
Voices Across the Nation
In Atlanta, thousands gathered at Liberty Plaza, holding signs and singing a protest rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” rephrased as “Take Trump Out of the White House.” Over a thousand people in Nashville assembled near the Tennessee State Capitol, where the crowd recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
New York City saw an estimated 50,000 people march through the streets, chanting slogans like “What do we want? No ICE! When do we want it? Now!” Participants waved banners reading “No Deportation! Trump Must Go!” and “No Justice, No Peace!”
In California, more than 100,000 protesters demonstrated in over 200 cities and towns. Los Angeles, which has become a focal point for protests against immigration enforcement, saw at least 25,000 participants. Mayor Karen Bass urged demonstrators to remain peaceful, stating that destructive actions would only reinforce negative perceptions of the city.
Houston officials reported over 15,000 peaceful protesters, many of them young Latinos. One speaker declared, “No Kings! Just like today, we don’t need Donald Trump as king.” In Miami, protesters gathered near the Torch of Friendship, a symbol of the city’s ties to the Caribbean and Latin America, waving American flags and receiving supportive honks from passing cars.
Unified Message
Elected leaders and law enforcement across the country encouraged peaceful demonstrations. Organizers emphasized nonviolent action, focusing on unity and democracy. A protester named Mima in Houston voiced the sentiment of many, saying, “This is a democracy and this isn’t a monarchy. Violence and ripping families apart are not okay.”
Ras Baraka, mayor of Newark, attended protests throughout New Jersey, emphasizing the importance of defending immigrant rights. “We have to defend that right and defend it vociferously,” he stated.
The “No Kings” protests highlight a significant moment of nationwide solidarity, as people from diverse backgrounds come together to voice their concerns over policies they believe challenge democratic principles.
