‘No Kings’ demonstrations attract large audiences as anti-Trump protests spread throughout the US

Massive crowds have assembled to voice their opposition to President Donald Trump’s policies in various cities across the US, including New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles.

The gathering in New York City’s famous Times Square attracted thousands shortly after starting on Saturday morning.

The streets and subway entryways were filled with protesters brandishing signs with messages such as “Democracy not Monarchy” and “The Constitution is not optional”.

Prior to the protests, allies of Trump claimed that the demonstrators had ties to the extreme-left Antifa movement and condemned the event as “the hate America rally”.

Organizers and demonstrators present on Saturday asserted that the gatherings were non-violent.

Non-violence is a fundamental principle of No Kings events, as outlined on its website, which encourages all attendees to avoid escalating any tensions.

In New York, parts of the crowd frequently broke into chants of “this is what democracy looks like” as a constant rhythm of drums pounded in the background, accompanied by cowbells and other noise makers.

Helicopters and drones were observed flying above, while police officers remained on the sidelines.

The New York Police Department reported that over 100,000 people had assembled to peacefully protest throughout all five boroughs of the city, with no arrests related to the demonstrations made.

In Times Square, a police officer estimated that upwards of 20,000 were parading down 7th Avenue.

Beth Zasloff, an independent writer and editor, expressed that she participated in the New York protest driven by her anger and distress over what she perceives as a “shift toward fascism and an authoritarian regime” occurring under Trump’s leadership.

“I have a strong attachment to New York City,” she stated.

“It gives me hope to stand alongside so many others.”

Since his return to the White House in January, Trump has broadened the extent of presidential authority, utilizing executive orders to dismantle elements of the federal government and to send National Guard troops to US cities despite state governors’ objections.

He has also urged the top legal officials of his administration to take action against his perceived adversaries.

The president asserts that his measures are essential to revive a nation in turmoil and has dismissed allegations of being a dictator or fascist as exaggerated.

However, dissenters caution that certain actions taken by his administration are unconstitutional and pose a risk to American democracy.

Massimo Mascoli, a 68-year-old retired electronics engineer from New Jersey who was raised in Italy, stated he protested because he fears the US is repeating the same mistakes his home country made a century ago.

“I am the nephew of an Italian hero who abandoned the Mussolini army to join the resistance,” Mr. Mascoli remarked.

“He was tortured and executed by the fascists, and after 80 years, I never anticipated encountering fascism again in the United States.”

Among his concerns, Mr. Mascoli is especially troubled by the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement and healthcare reductions affecting millions of Americans.

“We cannot rely on the Supreme Court, we cannot depend on the government,” he conveyed to the BBC. “We cannot trust Congress. All branches of government—legislative, executive, and judicial—are currently against the American people. So we’re fighting.”

Senate Minority Leader and New York Democrat Chuck Schumer also participated in the protest.

“We have no kings in America, and we will not permit Trump to continue undermining our democracy,” Schumer stated on X along with images of him holding a sign that said “fix the health care crisis”.

In Washington DC, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders gave a keynote address.

“We’re not here out of hatred for America, we’re here because we care about America,” he declared to a crowd of thousands.

At the DC demonstration, the BBC observed a man adorned with a hat featuring Trump’s “Make American Great Again” slogan. He mentioned he was in the city and had come to explore the protest. The individual chose not to reveal his identity but remarked that although he didn’t fully comprehend it, attendees were generally respectful. Shortly thereafter, a woman shouted an insult at him.

The protests extended beyond the US borders.

Across Europe, demonstrations took place in Berlin, Madrid, and Rome as individuals expressed solidarity with their American counterparts. In London, several hundred protesters assembled in front of the US embassy.

Similar scenes unfolded in Toronto, where demonstrators near the US consulate waved signs stating “Hands off Canada”.

In a preview of an interview with Fox News, set to be broadcast on Sunday but hinted at on Saturday, Trump seemed to reference the forthcoming rallies.

“A king! This is not a performance,” Trump stated in a clip released ahead of the interview. “You know – they’re referring to me as a king. I’m not a king.”

“We may need to deploy the National Guard,” Kansas Senator Roger Marshall remarked in anticipation of the protests, according to CNN. “I hope it will be peaceful. I have doubts.”

Republican governors in several US states prepared National Guard troops ahead of the demonstrations.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott activated his state’s National Guard on Thursday, stating they would be required due to the “planned Antifa-linked protest” in Austin.

This action was criticized by Democrats, including Gene Wu, the state’s leading Democrat, who argued: “Deploying armed troops to suppress peaceful protests resembles the actions of kings and dictators – and Greg Abbott has just confirmed he is one of them.”

Virginia’s Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin also ordered the National Guard to be activated, however, local reports indicated that troops were not present during the protest.

In Washington, DC, where the National Guard has been stationed since August at Trump’s request, no troops were seen at the gathering, although local law enforcement was present.

One protester at the demonstration in the capital displayed a sign reading “I am antifa”.

Chuck Epes, 76, described the term as “loaded,” stating it merely signifies his support for “peace, daycare, a livable wage, healthcare,” as well as immigrants and individuals of color.

“He’s trying to gaslight everyone, and it’s not succeeding,” he commented.

Americans are sharply divided regarding Donald Trump.

A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed that only 40% approved of his presidency, while 58% disapproved. This places him roughly at his average approval rating throughout his first term, yet lower than the 47% approval rating he garnered when he began his second term in January.

It is typical for presidents to experience a decline in popularity as their term progresses. Joe Biden had a 55% approval rating according to Reuters/Ipsos in January 2021. By October of that same year, his approval dropped to 46%.

With additional reporting by Ana Faguy