Millions expected to join ‘No Kings’ protests across U.S. against Trump’s policies

Massive crowds are set to take to the streets across the United States on Saturday in nationwide “No Kings” protests aimed at expressing anger over President Donald Trump’s hardline policies.

The demonstrations, described by Republicans as “Hate America” rallies, are expected to attract millions from New York to San Francisco.

According to organisers, more than 2,700 protests have been scheduled in cities and towns across the country, including one near Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, where he is spending the weekend. The movement draws together over 300 organisations united under the “No Kings” banner.

The rallies mirror the huge turnout seen on June 14 — Trump’s birthday — when thousands protested against his administration’s immigration crackdowns and the deployment of National Guard troops in Los Angeles. Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has again sent National Guard troops to Washington and Memphis, though planned deployments to Chicago and Portland have been blocked by the courts.

Demonstrators are protesting Trump’s attacks on the media, prosecution of political opponents, and what they describe as authoritarian tendencies. “The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings,” the movement said on its website.

In New York, hundreds gathered early in the morning in Queens, waving signs reading “Queens Say No Kings” and “We Protest Because We Love America.” Stephanie, a 36-year-old hospital worker, told AFP, “This president is a disgrace, and I hope there will be millions in the street today.”

In Los Angeles, organisers prepared to launch a large balloon depicting Trump in a diaper, expecting over 100,000 participants.

Despite the growing demonstrations, Trump’s public reaction has been subdued. Speaking on Fox News, he said, “They’re saying they’re referring to me as a king. I’m not a king.” However, some of his allies took a harsher tone. House Speaker Mike Johnson described the demonstrations as a “Hate America rally,” while Republican lawmaker Tom Emmer called the protesters the “terrorist wing” of the Democratic Party.

Protests are also planned in Washington, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, and New Orleans, as well as smaller towns across all 50 states. International solidarity rallies have been reported in Canada, Spain, and Sweden.

Deirdre Schifeling, chief political and advocacy officer of the American Civil Liberties Union, said the protesters want to show that the U.S. remains “a country of equals.” Leah Greenberg, co-founder of the Indivisible Project, accused the Trump administration of using “the classic authoritarian playbook: threaten, smear and lie; scare people into submission.”

Top Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer urged Americans not to be intimidated, writing on X: “Do not let Donald Trump and Republicans silence you. Speak out, use your voice, and exercise your right to free speech.”