Millions of demonstrators took to the streets across the United States and in cities abroad on Saturday for the second nationwide “No Kings” day of protest against President Donald Trump’s administration. Organizers estimated that nearly seven million people participated in more than 2,700 events, making it one of the largest coordinated days of protest since Trump returned to office in January.
Crowds filled major U.S. cities including New York, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and Austin. Marchers carried signs reading “Democracy, Not Monarchy” and “No Kings, No Tyrants,” echoing the movement’s message that the presidency must remain accountable to the Constitution and not resemble a royal authority.
In New York, more than 100,000 people gathered throughout the five boroughs, filling Times Square and nearby streets with chants of “This is what democracy looks like.” Police reported no arrests. Demonstrations in other cities were similarly peaceful, with music, dance, and street performances accompanying speeches from lawmakers and activists.
Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, addressing protesters in Washington, said the rallies reflected Americans’ desire to “protect the democratic principles our country was founded on.” Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren told a crowd in Boston Common that standing up to authoritarian behavior “is an act of patriotism.”
The “No Kings” network, a coalition of progressive organizations, organized the nationwide action. It follows an earlier wave of protests in June that drew about five million people. The group says its goal is to defend civil liberties, voting rights, and government transparency.
Participants cited a range of concerns, including immigration policies, cuts to education and healthcare programs, and what they described as the administration’s expanding use of executive power. Many expressed frustration over the deployment of National Guard troops in several states against the wishes of governors, and the president’s directive for federal law enforcement to investigate political opponents.
At Ocean Beach in San Francisco, protesters formed a large human banner spelling out “No Kings” visible from the air. In Memphis and Los Angeles, marchers donned inflatable costumes and carried creative signs calling for accountability in government.
In interviews with local media, attendees said they viewed the protests as an affirmation of constitutional values rather than an act of defiance. “We’re here because we love America, not because we hate it,” one protester in Washington told reporters. Others echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that peaceful assembly is a fundamental right.
Republican officials, however, criticized the demonstrations. House Speaker Mike Johnson referred to the gatherings as a “hate America rally,” while Texas Governor Greg Abbott activated the National Guard ahead of the Austin march, citing potential security concerns. The Austin Police Department later confirmed the event remained peaceful.
Across the Atlantic, rallies were held in cities including London, Berlin, and Madrid. Demonstrators outside the U.S. Embassy in London held placards reading “Hands Off Democracy” and “We Stand With America.”
As sunset fell over the United States, crowds in cities from coast to coast continued to chant and wave banners. Despite sharp political divides, the day’s events unfolded largely without confrontation, as protesters sought to make a collective appeal for accountability, transparency, and adherence to the principles of democratic governance.
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