Nationwide Protests Erupt Against Trump Under 'No Kings' Banner

On Saturday, the United States witnessed a wave of large-scale protests under the slogan "No Kings," directed against President Donald Trump and the perceived authoritarianism of his administration. Demonstrations occurred in all 50 states, with rallies and initiatives in approximately 2,600 cities. Major gatherings were reported in Washington D.C., New York, Atlanta, San Francisco, and Chicago. Estimating participation numbers has proven challenging, as the protests were organized by various progressive movements rather than a single entity. Previous protests in June estimated participation between 2 million and 48 million, with coverage suggesting a similar turnout this time. Several Democratic Party leaders showed their support by joining the protests and delivering speeches. Notable figures included Ken Martin, the party president who spoke in Montclair, New Jersey, and Senator Bernie Sanders, who attended the rally in Washington D.C. Overall, the protests unfolded in a peaceful and celebratory atmosphere, with many participants utilizing creative expressions such as inflatable animal costumes or cartoon character attire to convey their message. This approach, they said, was intended to highlight their non-threatening stance amidst accusations from Trump and his administration labeling opponents as violent extremists, particularly following the shooting of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk on September 10. Criticism aimed at the Trump administration's recent policies was widespread among demonstrators, particularly concerning immigration measures and reproductive rights. Participants also voiced concerns over Trump's extensive use of presidential powers, arguing that he has often tested the limits of constitutional authority to undermine his opponents. In response to the protests, the Trump administration issued a provocative rebuttal. Aides shared AI-generated images and videos depicting Trump as a king in an apparent attempt to mock the demonstrators. Trump himself joined the fray by posting satirical content that ridiculed the protesters, including clips featuring sludge-based humor. Although the Republican Party had previously labeled the protests as un-American, its members largely maintained a low profile during the events. A spokesperson for Trump, when contacted by the New York Times for a comment, simply replied with a dismissive, "Who cares?" Since his inauguration, Trump has made numerous controversial decisions, with the deployment of the National Guard to cities governed by Democratic leaders being a focal point of criticism. He often justified these actions with claims of emergencies that many deemed false or exaggerated, further fueling dissent among his opponents. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2