“No Kings” Movement Ignites Nationwide Protests Against President Donald Trump
The first of more than 2,500 planned demonstrations against US President Donald Trump erupted in New York City on Saturday, marking the beginning of what organizers are calling one of the largest coordinated protest movements in American history.
Dubbed the “No Kings” movement, organizers say millions of people are expected to join protests across the United States to challenge what they describe as Trump’s growing “authoritarian tendencies” and threats to democracy.
The protests, which span from coast to coast, have already drawn strong reactions from both political camps. Supporters of the president have accused organizers of being linked to the far-left Antifa movement — a claim that remains unproven. Meanwhile, state officials in several regions have mobilized National Guard troops as a precautionary measure amid concerns of potential unrest.
National Guard on Standby in Several States
In anticipation of the large-scale demonstrations, Republican governors in a number of states have either placed National Guard troops on alert or formally activated them.
Governors in Texas and Virginia have confirmed the activation of their state guards, though it remains unclear how prominent their presence will be during the demonstrations.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the deployment earlier this week, citing “security concerns” over what he described as a “planned Antifa-linked demonstration” in the state capital, Austin.
“The troops are being activated to ensure public safety and prevent chaos,” Abbott said in a statement.
However, Democrats have sharply criticized the move. Texas State Representative Gene Wu, a leading Democrat, condemned the deployment, saying:
“Sending armed soldiers to suppress peaceful protests is what kings and dictators do — and Greg Abbott just proved he’s one of them.”
In Virginia, Governor Glenn Youngkin made a similar call to activate the National Guard, emphasizing the need for “vigilance” and “public safety” during what he called “a tense political climate.”
Thousands March in New York City
The first protest began at 11:00 a.m. EST (16:00 GMT) in New York City, where thousands gathered in Manhattan carrying signs, chanting slogans, and waving American flags. Protesters filled Union Square and Fifth Avenue, chanting “No Kings, No Tyrants, No Trump!”
Organizers say the movement is about defending democracy and rejecting the notion of unchecked executive power.
“The president thinks his rule is absolute,” the movement’s official website reads. “But in America, we don’t have kings — and we will not back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty.”
From New York, the protests are set to spread across the nation, with major rallies planned in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle throughout the weekend.
In Washington, D.C., Senator Bernie Sanders is expected to deliver a keynote address, while several civil rights leaders and environmental activists are also slated to speak.
Global Solidarity Spreads Across Europe
The “No Kings” movement has also sparked international solidarity demonstrations, with marches held in Berlin, Madrid, and Rome in support of American protesters.
In Madrid, demonstrators carried banners reading “No tiranos, no tontos, no Trump” (“No tyrants, no fools, no Trump”), as crowds gathered in front of the US Embassy waving both American and European Union flags.
Protesters in Berlin and Rome expressed fears that “democracy is under threat globally,” echoing similar concerns raised by US activists.
“When America sneezes, the world catches a cold,” said one demonstrator in Berlin. “What happens in Washington affects democracies everywhere.”
Trump Responds: “I’m Not a King”
President Trump appeared to address the protests during an upcoming Fox News interview, a preview of which aired Saturday.
“A king! This is not an act,” Trump said in the clip. “They’re referring to me as a king. I’m not a king.”
The president’s remarks were met with mixed reactions. Critics viewed his tone as dismissive, while supporters saw it as an attempt to downplay tensions.
Some Republican lawmakers have labeled the protests “Hate America rallies,” accusing demonstrators of being anti-government agitators.
“We’ll have to get the National Guard out,” Kansas Senator Roger Marshall told CNN ahead of the rallies. “Hopefully it’ll be peaceful — but I doubt it.”
A Political and Cultural Flashpoint
The “No Kings” demonstrations have quickly become a flashpoint in America’s political divide, drawing in activists, celebrities, and political leaders from across the spectrum.
Among the high-profile figures expected to attend rallies across the US are Jane Fonda, John Legend, Kerry Washington, Alan Cumming, and John Leguizamo — all outspoken critics of the Trump administration.
Their participation adds cultural weight to what organizers are branding as a movement for “freedom, justice, and democracy.”
“This is about standing up to authoritarianism,” said Kerry Washington in a social media post ahead of the protests. “No one person should ever think they rule over America.”
Protests Reflect Deep National Tensions
Political analysts say the widespread protests underscore the deep divisions within the United States as the 2026 election cycle approaches.
Dr. Elaine Matthews, a political scientist at Georgetown University, said the demonstrations are “a reflection of how polarized America has become under Trump’s leadership.”
“The ‘No Kings’ slogan taps into a deep historical vein in American politics — the rejection of monarchy and the fear of absolute power,” Matthews explained. “Whether you agree with the protests or not, they show how unsettled the public feels about the current state of democracy.”
With more than 2,500 rallies planned in all 50 states, and tens of thousands expected to attend, the protests could shape the national conversation heading into the next presidential race.
Officials have urged calm and called for peaceful expression, with local police departments coordinating with federal authorities to monitor the demonstrations.
So far, no major incidents have been reported, though several cities remain on high alert.
Looking Ahead
As the sun set on New York City, organizers vowed to keep the momentum going.
“We’re just getting started,” one protest leader told reporters. “This is not a one-day protest. This is a movement to remind the president — and the world — that America belongs to the people, not a king.”
Whether the protests will remain peaceful or spark further confrontation remains to be seen. But for now, the “No Kings” movement has captured the attention of a nation once again divided between loyalty and resistance.