‘No Kings’ Protests Draw Massive Crowds as Washington Officials Condemn Demonstrations as ‘Anti-American

Massive crowds gathered in Washington, D.C., for the “No Kings” protests, denouncing President Donald Trump’s leadership and warning against what demonstrators called growing authoritarianism. The protests, marked by chants and banners defending democracy, drew sharp criticism from government officials, who labeled the demonstrations “anti-American.” Organizers, however, said the rallies were a call to uphold constitutional values and reject any return to political dynasties or unchecked executive power.

Millions of Americans took to the streets Saturday in “No Kings” rallies nationwide, denouncing what they described as authoritarian overreach and corruption under President Donald Trump. The coordinated protests, held in more than 2,600 locations across major cities, small towns, and suburbs, drew participants of all ages from families with strollers to retirees and veterans in what organizers said could be one of the largest mass demonstrations in modern U.S. history.

House Speaker Mike Johnson on Friday condemned the movement, calling the demonstrations “anti-American” and labeling them “the hate America rally,” echoing sentiments shared by many within the Republican Party.

Despite the sharp rhetoric, the protests remained overwhelmingly peaceful. Law enforcement reported little to no violence, and scenes across the country were largely festive complete with inflatable caricatures, costumes, and musical performances.

In Los Angeles, demonstrators packed downtown streets, while in Seattle, marchers filled a mile-long parade route from downtown to the Space Needle. San Diego police estimated more than 25,000 protesters participated peacefully. Similar turnouts were reported in New York, Chicago, Denver, Philadelphia, and Atlanta, with police in New York confirming no protest-related arrests despite more than 100,000 participants across all five boroughs.

The rallies reflected mounting public concern over Trump’s sweeping use of executive power, including the prosecution of political opponents, a militarized immigration crackdown, and the deployment of National Guard troops in U.S. cities moves the administration has defended as necessary for “public safety.” Critics say such measures erode democratic norms and concentrate power dangerously in the executive branch.

In Washington, D.C., thousands marched toward the U.S. Capitol carrying signs that read “No Wannabe Dictators” and “Democracy Not Dynasty.” The atmosphere was electric but orderly. “We want to show our support for democracy and fight for what’s right,” said Aliston Elliot, wearing a Statue of Liberty headpiece. “I’m against the overreach of power.”

In Houston, Marine Corps veteran Daniel Aboyte Gamez, 30, joined about 5,000 protesters outside city hall. “I don’t understand what’s going on in this nation right now,” said Gamez, who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria.

Across the country, some lifelong Republicans joined the demonstrations, expressing disillusionment with the party’s direction. “Everything I stood for in the military feels at risk,” said Kevin Brice, 70, of Portland, Oregon, wearing a sweatshirt that read “No Kings Since 1776.” Houston retiree Steve Klopp, 74, echoed the sentiment, saying, “I’ve been Republican forever. The idea that one individual could turn me away from the party is insane.”

In Denver, protester Kelly Kinsella, dressed as Lady Liberty with red paint symbolizing “bloody tears,” said she marched because of worsening inflation, which she blamed on Trump’s tariff policies. “Everyone comes to work stressed,” she said. “It’s because of the current conditions.”

Trump, who has largely dismissed the demonstrations, told Fox Business on Friday, “They’re referring to me as a king I’m not a king.”

While the Democratic Party remains divided internally after Trump’s reelection last year, leading figures from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez voiced support for the protests, framing them as a defense of democratic values.

The “No Kings” rallies built on momentum from earlier demonstrations on June 14, Trump’s 79th birthday, when millions protested alongside a rare military parade in Washington. Political scientist Dana Fisher of American University estimated that Saturday’s turnout could exceed 3 million people nationwide, potentially making it one of the largest protest movements in U.S. history.

Leah Greenberg, co-founder of the progressive group Indivisible, which organized many of the rallies, rejected Republican criticism. “There is nothing more American than saying, ‘We don’t have kings,’ and exercising our right to peacefully protest,” she said.

Vice President J.D. Vance, speaking Saturday at Camp Pendleton, did not mention the demonstrations but criticized Democrats for the ongoing government shutdown. Meanwhile, several Republicans warned that the protests risked fueling political violence, citing the recent assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.

Still, as the day ended, the overwhelming image across the country was one of peaceful dissent. Protesters waved flags, sang patriotic songs, and carried banners declaring loyalty not to any political party but to the idea that American democracy must not be ruled by a king.

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Source: NDTV