Large crowds have taken to the streets in a national movement against U.S. President Donald Trump's administration, culminating in the 'No Kings' protests organized in cities such as New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles. With slogans advocating for democracy over monarchy, an estimated seven million people participated in the demonstrations on Saturday.
In New York City, protesters filled Times Square armed with signs proclaiming messages like 'Democracy not Monarchy' and 'The Constitution is not optional.' Trump allies labeled the protests as orchestrated by far-left groups, yet organizers emphasized the peaceful nature of the events, despite states activating the National Guard.
Since Trump's return to the White House, he has expanded presidential power, deploying National Guards to cities and issuing executive orders deemed by critics as threats to democracy. Amidst the rallies, Trump dismissed claims of acting like a king, stating, 'I'm not a king.' Meanwhile, chants of 'This is what democracy looks like' echoed through crowds.
In an interview preview, Trump reaffirmed his leadership approach, but many protesters expressed concerns regarding his administration's direction, viewing it as a step toward authoritarianism. A participant in New York, Beth Zasloff, stated her distress with the current political climate, emphasizing her commitment to supporting liberal democratic values.
Notably, political figures like Bernie Sanders joined the protests, and demonstrations were not limited to the U.S., with solidarity events occurring across Europe and in Canada.
