'No Kings' Protests In US: People across the United States took to the streets in large numbers, outraged by what they see as the growing authoritarianism and corruption under US President Donald Trump. These protests were part of the latest round of 'No Kings' demonstrations, which oppose Trump’s policies, including the war in Iran and heightened immigration enforcement.
Organisers stated that demonstrations were held in all 50 states, with thousands of registered events spanning major cities as well as smaller towns. In several cities, demonstrators lined major streets, while others gathered in public squares, waving placards and chanting in unison.
This marked the third major mobilisation of the 'No Kings' movement in less than a year, and participation was expected to reach millions. According to Reuters, over 3,200 events were planned nationwide, and organisers noted a noticeable increase in participation from smaller communities, signalling that the protests were reaching beyond the usual urban hubs.
Washington, D.C- REUTERS
According to Associated Press, massive rallies took place in locations ranging from New York City to Driggs, Idaho, reflecting the geographic diversity of the movement’s participation.
Demonstrators raised concerns over civil liberties, immigration enforcement, and US military involvement in Iran.
In Minnesota, a flashpoint in Trump's crackdown on illegal immigration, a massive rally was held outside the state capitol in Saint Paul. Many protesters held posters bearing images of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, US citizens fatally shot by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis earlier this year.
The rally at the Minnesota State Capitol in St Paul drew one of the largest crowds, with estimates of over 200,000 participants. Protesters marched, chanted slogans and held signs criticising the Trump administration, particularly its immigration enforcement actions and involvement in the Iran conflict.
St. Paul, Minnesota. REUTERS
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In New York, police estimated that tens of thousands of people gathered in midtown Manhattan, with the crowd stretching over 10 blocks. The National Mall in Washington saw a similar turnout, with protesters chanting pro-democracy slogans and waving anti-Trump signs.
New York City - REUTERS
In Los Angeles, hundreds marched through city streets following a gathering outside City Hall, where protesters gathered.
In Houston, demonstrators carried a giant replica of the US Constitution through downtown, symbolising what organisers described as a defence of democratic values. Some demonstrations included performances, speeches and symbolic acts such as carrying replicas of the US Constitution.
Several protesters drew on historical struggles for freedom, making comparisons to earlier political movements in the United States.
While most demonstrations remained peaceful, the Associated Press reported that authorities used tear gas near a federal detention centre in Los Angeles after objects were thrown towards security personnel.
Police also made arrests in Dallas after counter-protesters blocked streets.
Nyack, New York- REUTERS
In a separate statement, Representative John Larson said, 'Today, we are here to say THERE ARE NO KINGS IN AMERICA,' warning of what he described as a 'dangerous misuse of power' and adding, 'If we the people remain united and continue to speak up, we will not be defeated.'
'In America, we do not bow to kings,' said Senator Kristin Gillibrand.
'Our president should be focused on bringing down grocery prices, making health care affordable, and ensuring every family can get ahead, not using their position to boost their own personal brand. It is time that we institute this ban and make sure that our government serves the people, not one person's ego,' she said.
US Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, a long-time critic of Trump who ran for president in both 2016 and 2020, also spoke at the rally in Minnesota, offering his support to the movement.
'Today, in 2026, our message is...No more kings. We will not allow this country to descend into authoritarianism or oligarchy. 'In America, We the People will rule,' Senator Bernie Sanders said.
'But let's be clear: This moment is not just about one man's greed, one man's corruption or one man's contempt for our Constitution. This is about a handful of the wealthiest people on Earth, who, in their insatiable greed, have taken over our economy, have taken over our political system, and have taken over our media in order to enrich themselves at the expense of the working families of our country,' he said.
Saturday’s events took place amid what organisers described as a call to action against the bombardment of Iran by the US and Israel, a conflict that is now in its fourth week.
The Middle East conflict started following the killing of 86-year-old Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint military strikes by the US and Israel, after which Iran, in its retaliation, targeted Israeli and US assets in several Gulf countries and Israel, causing disruption in the waterway and affecting international energy markets and global economic stability since February 28.