Millions Expected at ‘No Kings’ Rallies across U.S. to Protest Trump’s Policies

More than 2,600 “No Kings” protest events are set to sweep across all 50 U.S. states on Saturday in a nationwide show of opposition to President Donald Trump’s policies on immigration, education, and national security. Organizers say the movement aims to push back against what they describe as an increasing slide toward autocracy under Trump’s administration.

Why Are Millions Protesting Under the ‘No Kings’ Banner?

The “No Kings” rallies follow a similar wave of demonstrations in June and are seen as a barometer of public frustration with the administration’s conservative agenda. Since taking office 10 months ago, Trump has intensified immigration enforcement, reduced the federal workforce, and cut funding to major universities, citing disputes over campus diversity, transgender policies, and pro-Palestinian protests related to Israel’s war in Gaza.

In several major cities, Trump has deployed National Guard troops, arguing they are needed to protect immigration officers and assist in combating crime. Leah Greenberg, co-founder of the progressive group Indivisible, which helped organize the protests, said, “There is nothing more American than saying ‘we don’t have kings’ and exercising our right to peacefully protest.”

Trump himself downplayed the events in a Fox Business interview, saying, “They’re referring to me as a king, I’m not a king.”

Who Is Behind the ‘No Kings’ Movement?

Over 300 grassroots organizations are coordinating the marches, according to Greenberg. The American Civil Liberties Union has trained tens of thousands of marshals in legal rights and de-escalation techniques to ensure peaceful demonstrations. Social media platforms have been flooded with “No Kings” ads and information to drive turnout.

Progressive leaders including Senator Bernie Sanders, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have voiced support for the movement, as have several public figures and celebrities.

Republican leaders, however, have dismissed the protests. House Speaker Mike Johnson described them as “the hate America rally,” claiming Democrats are using such events to fuel division. Some GOP members have also accused the movement of encouraging political violence, referencing the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Despite the political tensions, experts predict record-breaking participation. Dana Fisher, a professor at American University and author on U.S. activism, said Saturday could mark “the largest protest turnout in modern U.S. history,” with estimates surpassing 3 million participants.

“The main point of this day of action is to create a sense of collective identity amongst all the people who are feeling like they are being persecuted or are anxious due to the Trump administration and its policies,” Fisher explained. “It’s not going to change Trump’s policies. But it might embolden elected officials at all levels who are in opposition to Trump.”

By Lucky Anyanje