Organizers of the demonstrations that filled the streets of the United States this Saturday reported that nearly seven million people participated in the “No Kings” rally against what they describe as a rise in authoritarianism by President Donald Trump’s administration.
At 2,700 locations across the country, protesters protested the “coronation” of Donald Trump and also expressed their rejection of the militarization of cities—as in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland—and the White House resident’s immigration policy.
The demonstrations passed off peacefully and with few incidents. Participants wore yellow—reminiscent of the clothing worn during the 2019 pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong—and colorful costumes featuring fictional characters such as cartoons.
Attendees also carried LGBTQ+, Mexican, and Palestinian flags, along with American national emblems. The banners demonstrated their rejection of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and their support for democracy.
“Today, millions of Americans came together to reject authoritarianism and remind the world that our democracy belongs to the people, not the ambition of one man,” said Ezra Levin and Leah Greenberg, co-founders of Indivisible, the organizing organization.
The demonstrations have also moved abroad, to cities such as London, Paris, Rome, and Madrid, supported by civil society organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the American Federation of Teachers, 50501, the Human Rights Campaign, Indivisible, and MoveOn.
“From caregivers to janitors to educators, millions of people took to the streets to reject the lawlessness of this administration. We demand that our healthcare be protected, not stolen for multi-million-dollar tax breaks. We demand an end to the cruel ICE raids and militarized takeovers of our cities that provide no safety for anyone,” said the executive vice president of 32BJ, a member of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
The “No Kings” movement calls this day of mobilization “the next step” in the fight to “defend democracy and reject authoritarian control” and does not rule out future protests.
