Millions of Americans took to the streets for “No Kings” rallies across all 50 states, denouncing what they called the corruption and authoritarianism of President Donald Trump.
From New York to Los Angeles, protesters spanning all ages filled streets and squares under the slogan “No Kings.” Organisers estimated more than 2,600 rallies nationwide, with early counts suggesting several million participants.
The demonstrations were festive yet politically charged, marked by costumes, music, and banners invoking the spirit of 1776.
In Times Square, more than 100,000 gathered peacefully, police said. Similar scenes unfolded in Boston, Atlanta, Denver, and Chicago. On the West Coast, Seattle’s parade route stretched for over a mile, and Los Angeles hosted multiple rallies. San Diego police counted more than 25,000 attendees.
Voices of disillusionment
“There is nothing more American than saying, ‘We don’t have kings,’” said Leah Greenberg, co-founder of Indivisible, one of the main organising groups.
Many demonstrators voiced frustration with what they saw as Trump’s overreach — from immigration crackdowns to the appointment of loyalists and pressure on institutions.
Retired Marine Daniel Aboyte Gamez in Houston said he joined out of confusion and concern. “I don’t understand what’s going on in this nation right now,” he said.
In Portland, 70-year-old veteran Kevin Brice wore a sweatshirt reading “No Kings since 1776.” Once a Republican, he said the party had lost its way.
Political reactions
Trump, speaking to Fox Business on Friday, brushed off the movement. “They’re referring to me as a king — I’m not a king,” he said.
Democratic figures, including Chuck Schumer and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, voiced support for the rallies, while House Speaker Mike Johnson called them “the hate America rally.”
The protests followed an earlier wave on June 14, Trump’s birthday, which drew up to six million participants according to independent estimates. Analysts expect Saturday’s turnout to rival that scale.
Surveillance concerns shadow protests
Civil liberties groups warned of possible government surveillance. Activists said federal agencies might use drones, facial recognition, and mobile phone tracking, particularly in Washington, D.C., where new fencing surrounded the White House.
“Given Trump’s open hostility to dissent, such surveillance now poses an existential threat to American democracy,” said Ryan Shapiro of Property of the People.
Reports indicated that the Department of Homeland Security has used Predator drones and phone-hacking tools during past protests. The ACLU said such technology could chill free speech if deployed against peaceful demonstrators.
A test of democracy
Despite concerns, Saturday’s marches remained largely calm, united by one message — that no president is above the republic.
As Lady Liberty costumes, handmade signs, and chants of “No Kings” echoed through American cities, the protests offered both defiance and reflection — a reminder that democracy, like protest itself, survives only through practice.
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Residents in central Gaza are preparing to vote in municipal elections on Saturday (25 April), marking the first ballot in the Strip since 2006. The vote in Deir al-Balah is being watched closely as a rare indication of public sentiment, including towards Hamas.
Militants have staged coordinated attacks in Mali’s capital, Bamako, and several locations across the country, the army said on Saturday (25 April), in an assault apparently involving jihadist and Tuareg-led groups.
Argentina has reiterated its interest in resuming talks with the United Kingdom over the Falkland Islands, a disputed archipelago in the South Atlantic, after reports that an internal Pentagon email suggested reviewing Washington’s support for the UK’s claim amid tensions over the Iran war.
Diplomatic efforts to end the Iran war are intensifying, with the White House confirming that U.S. President Donald Trump will send special envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner to Islamabad for talks with Iran under Pakistani mediation.
Russian emergency services have contained a major fire at the Tuapse oil refinery on the Black Sea coast, local officials said on Thursday, ending a four-day effort after a Ukrainian drone strike.
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Militants have staged coordinated attacks in Mali’s capital, Bamako, and several locations across the country, the army said on Saturday (25 April), in an assault apparently involving jihadist and Tuareg-led groups.
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China has urged the European Union to take its concerns seriously over new cybersecurity and digital regulations, warning they could create difficulties for Chinese companies operating in Europe.
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