The 'No Kings' Movement Sweeps Across US, Defying Trump's Authoritarian Tendencies
In a show of defiance against President Donald Trump's policies, thousands of Americans took to the streets across the country on Saturday, participating in over 2,600 rallies organized by hundreds of coalition partners. The 'No Kings' movement, as it's come to be known, is part of a growing opposition movement that aims to counter what organizers see as an aggressive executive and a slide towards authoritarianism.
From New York City's Times Square to Chicago's Grant Park, Boston Common, and hundreds of smaller public spaces, protesters gathered in large numbers, many wearing inflatable costumes – including frogs – which have emerged as a symbol of resistance. The rallies featured marching bands, huge banners with the US Constitution's preamble that people could sign, and chants like "Trump must go now." Many participants were also visibly moved by Trump's attacks on their motivations for protesting, with one demonstrator holding up a sign that read, "Nothing is more patriotic than protesting."
The movement has been gaining momentum since Trump's return to the White House, with previous rallies drawing crowds. However, organizers say this one is building a more unified opposition movement, with top Democrats like Senate Leader Chuck Schumer and Independent Senator Bernie Sanders joining in. The American Civil Liberties Union has also provided legal training to tens of thousands of people who will act as marshals at the various marches.
Republican leaders have attempted to portray participants in Saturday's rallies as outliers, but the sheer scale of the turnout suggests otherwise. Dana Fisher, a professor at American University, forecasts that this could be the largest protest turnout in modern US history, with over 3 million people participating. The main point of the day of action is to create a sense of collective identity amongst those feeling persecuted or anxious due to Trump's policies.
For many, Saturday's rallies are an antidote to what they see as an authoritarian regime. "There is no greater threat to an authoritarian regime than patriotic people-power," said Ezra Levin, a co-founder of Indivisible. The movement aims not to change Trump's policies but to embolden elected officials who oppose him and create a sense of resistance that will continue to grow.
Despite the controversy surrounding the rallies, one thing is clear: Americans are speaking out against what they see as an erosion of democratic values and an abuse of power by the executive branch. As one demonstrator in Bethesda, Maryland, noted, "Nothing is more patriotic than protesting."
In a show of defiance against President Donald Trump's policies, thousands of Americans took to the streets across the country on Saturday, participating in over 2,600 rallies organized by hundreds of coalition partners. The 'No Kings' movement, as it's come to be known, is part of a growing opposition movement that aims to counter what organizers see as an aggressive executive and a slide towards authoritarianism.
From New York City's Times Square to Chicago's Grant Park, Boston Common, and hundreds of smaller public spaces, protesters gathered in large numbers, many wearing inflatable costumes – including frogs – which have emerged as a symbol of resistance. The rallies featured marching bands, huge banners with the US Constitution's preamble that people could sign, and chants like "Trump must go now." Many participants were also visibly moved by Trump's attacks on their motivations for protesting, with one demonstrator holding up a sign that read, "Nothing is more patriotic than protesting."
The movement has been gaining momentum since Trump's return to the White House, with previous rallies drawing crowds. However, organizers say this one is building a more unified opposition movement, with top Democrats like Senate Leader Chuck Schumer and Independent Senator Bernie Sanders joining in. The American Civil Liberties Union has also provided legal training to tens of thousands of people who will act as marshals at the various marches.
Republican leaders have attempted to portray participants in Saturday's rallies as outliers, but the sheer scale of the turnout suggests otherwise. Dana Fisher, a professor at American University, forecasts that this could be the largest protest turnout in modern US history, with over 3 million people participating. The main point of the day of action is to create a sense of collective identity amongst those feeling persecuted or anxious due to Trump's policies.
For many, Saturday's rallies are an antidote to what they see as an authoritarian regime. "There is no greater threat to an authoritarian regime than patriotic people-power," said Ezra Levin, a co-founder of Indivisible. The movement aims not to change Trump's policies but to embolden elected officials who oppose him and create a sense of resistance that will continue to grow.
Despite the controversy surrounding the rallies, one thing is clear: Americans are speaking out against what they see as an erosion of democratic values and an abuse of power by the executive branch. As one demonstrator in Bethesda, Maryland, noted, "Nothing is more patriotic than protesting."
I'm so hyped to see this movement happening! It's crazy to think that thousands of ppl are coming together to stand up against Trump's policies and what they see as an authoritarian regime 
. The fact that it's not just libs who are organizing this, but also some republicans who share the same concerns is really cool 
.
. It's like, we may not all agree on everything, but when it comes to protecting our democracy and values, we're united 
.
. This shows that there are ppl across the aisle who share similar concerns and want to make a difference 
.
. When you're speaking truth to power and fighting for what you believe in, it takes courage and conviction 
. And as Ezra Levin said, "there is no greater threat to an authoritarian regime than patriotic people-power" 
so what's the real motive behind this 'No Kings' movement? is it just about opposing trump or is there more to it? 
some people say its a case of 'peoples power' but isnt it also a bit of a publicity stunt? 
i mean, inflatable costumes and all that jazz seems kinda over the top. 
how many people actually showed up and what was the turnout in each location? 
didnt see any sources on the actual number of participants and it says "over 3 million" but thats still a pretty vague stat. 
people really think wearing a rubber frog to protest gonna scare trump? meanwhile, i'm over here thinking it's adorable 
this 'patriotic people-power' thing sounds like a legit movement tho, might be the only way to stop trump from going full-on tyrant 