On Saturday, massive protests took place across all 50 U.S. states including major cities like New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles, aginst US President Donald Trump as the US government shutdown entered its third week amid a political standoff.
In New York’s Times Square, thousands held signs reading “Democracy, Not Monarchy” and “The Constitution Is Not Optional.” Despite National Guard presence, organizers said the nearly 7 million-strong protests remained peaceful. Demonstrators rallied under the banner of the “No Kings” movement, while some Republican critics labeled the events as “Hate America” rallies.
People are protesting against what they see as Donald Trump’s abuse of power, such as attacking the media, targeting political opponents, and cracking down harshly on undocumented immigrants.
This is the third major protest since Trump returned to office, happening during a government shutdown that has closed many public services. Protesters say Trump is acting like an authoritarian by pushing the limits of presidential power, challenging Congress and the courts.
They’re also upset about specific actions like sending federal troops into U.S. cities, aggressive immigration raids, deportations, and the harm the shutdown is causing to workers and essential services.
Protestors believe that Donald Trump has behaved more like a monarch than a president chosen through democratic means, pointing to his use of federal forces, his neglect of court decisions, and his excessive use of executive power. This perspective is echoed in slogans such as "No thrones. No crowns. No kings."
The name reflects the foundational ideals of the United States, which emerged from a revolt against monarchical rule, particularly that of King George III of Britain. "No Kings" symbolizes the conviction that in a democracy, no leader should possess unchecked authority. “No Kings” is a rallying cry for those who believe Trump is undermining democracy and acting above the law.
More than 2,500 protests were held across all 50 states, spanning major cities like Washington D.C. and New York, to small towns in the Midwest. In San Francisco, hundreds gathered on Ocean Beach to spell out messages like “No King!” with their bodies. In Washington, thousands marched near the Capitol chanting “This is what democracy looks like!” as the government shutdown dragged into its third week amid political gridlock.
Meanwhile, Trump spent the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida. Trump's campaign social media account also mocked the protests by posting a computer-generated video of the president dressed like a monarch, wearing a crown and waving from a balcony.
"They say they're referring to me as a king. I'm not a king," the president said in a Fox News interview that aired early Friday, before departing for a $1 million-per-plate MAGA Inc. fundraiser at his club.
Republican leaders labeled the demonstrators as 'communists' and 'Marxists.' They accused Democratic leaders, such as Senator Chuck Schumer, of being influenced by the far-left and willing to maintain the government shutdown to satisfy those liberal elements.
