Thousands across the US have joined “No Kings” protests against President Donald Trump, blaming him for the flagging economy, rising cost of living and the conflict with Iran.
The demonstrations mark the third nationwide round of the “No Kings” movement, which launched nationwide protests in June 2025. The rallies are being held under the slogan “No king, no crown, we will not back down.”
On Saturday, crowds gathered across major cities, suburbs, and smaller communities, singing, chanting, and holding placards, with organizers saying at least half of the rallies took place in Republican strongholds.
“The rallies are a place for everybody to come and exercise their rights as Americans in a patriotic and safe way,” Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, which started the “No Kings” movement last year, told CNN.
Organizers said the protests are not centered on a single demand and reflect broad opposition to Trump administration policies. Demonstrators carried signs highlighting issues including immigration enforcement, elections, diversity, and the war with Iran.
One placard in Atlanta read: “We can’t afford the war or the gas.”
Large marches were reported in San Francisco and Los Angeles. In Texas, protests took place in Dallas, Arlington, and Fort Worth. Demonstrators in Boynton Beach, Florida, were described by local officials as “very enthusiastic.”
The main event was held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a focal point of Trump’s hardline immigration crackdown, where US citizens Alex Pretti and Renee Good were fatally shot by federal agents in January.
US Senator Bernie Sanders addressed the crowd, warning of what he called “an unprecedented and dangerous moment in American history.”
“We will not allow this country to descend into authoritarianism or oligarchy,” he said. “In America, we the people will rule.”
Rock legend Bruce Springsteen, who performed at the rally, described Minnesota as “an inspiration to the entire country,” while Governor Tim Walz criticized federal immigration policy.
A White House spokeswoman, Abigail Jackson, dismissed the demonstrations as “Trump derangement therapy sessions,” saying only reporters paid to cover them were interested in attending.