Huge crowds protest against Trump on ‘No Kings’ day in the US and abroad
Huge crowds protest against Trump on ‘No Kings’ day in the US and abroad
On Saturday, tens of millions of people marched across the United States and participated in global demonstrations to voice opposition to President Donald Trump. The protests spanned a wide array of grievances, from his perceived authoritarian leadership to his stance on immigration, climate change, and the ongoing conflict with Iran. Organizers estimated that the demonstrations might reach one of the largest in US history, with over 3,100 events taking place in urban centers, suburban areas, and rural regions. They projected participation numbers surpassing nine million, emphasizing the movement’s broad reach.
Grassroots movement gains momentum
The third “No Kings” rally in under a year marked a significant escalation in public dissent against Trump. The initiative began last June, coinciding with his 79th birthday and a military parade he hosted in Washington. That day, millions gathered from New York to San Francisco, highlighting the movement’s growing influence. A subsequent event in October 2025 attracted an estimated seven million demonstrators, according to organizers. This latest gathering, held on March 28, 2026, further solidified its status as a defining force in contemporary American politics.
Voices from the streets
“He keeps lying and lying and lying and lying, and no one says anything. So it’s a terrible situation we’re in,” said a protester to AFP.
In New York City, thousands joined the rally, including Oscar-winning actor Roberto De Niro, who labeled Trump “an existential threat to our freedoms and security.” In Washington, marchers carried banners with slogans like “Trump Must Go Now” and “Fight Fascism,” converging on the National Mall. The demonstrations underscored the deepening political polarization in the country, as Trump’s supporters and detractors sharply contrasted their views on his governance style.
International resonance
Protests extended beyond the US, with significant gatherings in Europe. In Amsterdam, Madrid, and Rome, around 20,000 demonstrators faced heavy police presence. In Paris, a smaller but vocal group of Americans living in France, alongside French labor unions and human rights groups, gathered at the Bastille. “I protest all of Trump’s illegal, immoral, reckless and feckless endless wars,” stated Ada Shen, the organizer in Rome. The movement also linked criticism of US and Israeli actions in Iran to broader critiques of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s policies in Italy.
Political implications
As the November midterm elections approach and Trump’s approval rating dips below 40%, the “No Kings” movement has become the most visible opposition to his administration. Organizers noted that two-thirds of Saturday’s participants reside outside Democratic strongholds, a shift from previous protests. The White House dismissed the events as “leftist funding networks” lacking public backing, while the National Republican Congressional Committee called them “Hate America Rallies” where “far-left’s most violent, deranged fantasies get a microphone.”
