On Saturday, millions of Americans from every generation turned out to demand accountability and push back against what they view as authoritarian overreach by President Donald Trump. Dubbed "No Kings," these rallies spanned from New York's five boroughs to the riverfront in Portland.
Numbers That Speak Louder Than Words
Organizers predicted millions would rally by day's end. In New York City alone, the NYPD reported a peaceful 100,000-strong turnout with zero protest-related arrests. Boston, Chicago, Atlanta and dozens of small towns saw equally spirited crowds, underscoring a nationwide call for transparency and the rule of law.
Voices from the Streets
- Aliston Elliot, 28: "We want to show our support for democracy and for fighting for what is right. I'm against the overreach of power."
- Daniel Aboyte Gamez, 30: A Marine Corps vet in Houston's 5,000-strong crowd said, "I don't understand what's going on in this nation right now."
- Kevin Brice, 70: A lifelong Republican marching in Portland remarked, "Everything I stood for in the military seems at risk. I don't support the direction the party is going."
- Kelly Kinsella, 38 in Denver donned a Statue of Liberty costume and noted, "Renewed inflation and policy decisions motivated me to join this movement."
Why It Matters
What began as localized gatherings across over 2,600 events has become a barometer of public sentiment. From debates over criminal prosecutions and immigration crackdowns to fears over National Guard deployments, "No Kings" crystallizes concerns about power, corruption and everyday economic challenges.
As these peaceful protests show, civic action can unite diverse voices around shared values—and spark real-world change.
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Protesters out in force for 'No Kings' rallies across the U.S.
cgtn.com
