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Large crowds staged demonstrations across the United States on Saturday in opposition to President Donald Trump, expressing anger over what they described as his authoritarian approach to governance, strict immigration policies and the ongoing conflict with Iran.
The protests marked the third major mobilisation in under a year by the grassroots movement known as “No Kings,” which has emerged as one of the most visible platforms of resistance since Trump began his second term in January 2025.
Organisers indicated that millions were expected to participate in rallies across both major cities and smaller communities, protesting issues ranging from immigration enforcement and rising living costs to the war with Iran initiated alongside Israel.
In New York, tens of thousands gathered, including Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro, a longstanding critic of the president, who described Trump as “an existential threat to our freedoms and security.”
Demonstrations took place nationwide, from Atlanta to San Diego, with additional rallies expected in Alaska later in the day.
“No country can govern without the consent of the people,” said 36-year-old military veteran Marc McCaughey in Atlanta, where thousands assembled.
“We’re out here because we feel that the Constitution is under threat in a multitude of different ways. Things aren’t normal. They aren’t okay.”
In West Bloomfield, Michigan, near Detroit, protesters turned out despite sub-zero temperatures.
Meanwhile, in Washington, DC, thousands gathered at the National Mall, with some carrying placards reading “Trump Must Go Now!” and “Fight Fascism.”
“He keeps lying and lying and lying and lying, and no one says anything. So it’s a terrible situation we’re in,” said 67-year-old retiree Robert Pavosevich.
Trump spent the weekend in Florida.
The wave of protests extended beyond the United States, with similar demonstrations held in European cities such as Amsterdam, Madrid and Rome, where around 20,000 people marched under heavy police presence.
The first nationwide “No Kings” protest was held last June, coinciding with Trump’s 79th birthday and a military parade in Washington, attracting several million participants.
A second demonstration in October drew an estimated seven million protesters, according to organisers.
Organisers aim to surpass those figures, as Trump’s approval rating has reportedly fallen below 40 per cent ahead of the midterm elections in November, where Republicans risk losing control of Congress.
While Trump continues to enjoy strong support among his “Make America Great Again” base, he faces equally intense opposition from critics who accuse him of governing through executive orders, using the Justice Department against opponents, promoting fossil fuel interests, and undermining climate action.
Critics have also raised concerns over cuts to diversity programmes and what they view as an increased reliance on military force, despite his earlier campaign positioning as a peace candidate.
“Since the last time we marched, this administration has dragged us deeper into war,” said Naveed Shah of Common Defence, a veterans’ group associated with the “No Kings” movement.
“At home, we’ve watched citizens killed in the streets by militarized forces. We’ve seen families torn apart and immigrant communities targeted. All of it done in the name of one man trying to rule like a king.”
Organisers reported that more than 3,000 rallies were planned across urban, suburban and rural areas, including in Kotzebue, Alaska, above the Arctic Circle.
Minnesota emerged as a focal point following recent debates over immigration enforcement. Musician Bruce Springsteen performed his song “Streets of Minneapolis” in St Paul, where thousands gathered.
He dedicated the performance to Renee Good and Alex Pretti, two US citizens killed by federal agents during January protests.
“Their bravery, their sacrifice and their names will not be forgotten,” he said before performing.
What began in 2025 as a single-day protest has since evolved into a nationwide movement opposing Trump, with organisers noting that a growing proportion of participants now come from outside major urban centres.
