In a sweeping display of civic engagement, millions of Americans took to the streets on Saturday in a series of “No Kings” protests, expressing growing concern over what they describe as a rapid slide toward authoritarianism under President Donald Trump.
Organizers with the Indivisible Project reported that nearly 7 million people participated in more than 2,700 events across all 50 states, marking the largest day of anti-Trump protests to date and the third such mass mobilization since his return to the White House.
The protests, held during a government shutdown that reached its 18th day, were largely peaceful, with no protest-related arrests reported in major cities such as New York and Washington, D.C.
While Republican leaders dismissed the protests as “Hate America” rallies, scenes in many cities resembled lively street festivals.
Marching bands played, protesters wore inflatable animal costumes—frogs, dinosaurs, unicorns—and waved signs filled with humor and satire, deliberately countering GOP portrayals of the movement as violent or chaotic.
“It’s really hard to call something a war zone when it’s just a block party and people in Halloween costumes,” said one protester dancing in a unicorn suit in Los Angeles.
Despite the lighthearted tone, the underlying message was serious. Protesters across the country cited mass immigration raids, the deployment of National Guard troops in Democratic-led cities, and deep cuts to programs like Medicaid as signs of eroding democratic norms and unchecked executive power.
“I fought for freedom and against this kind of extremism abroad,” said Shawn Howard, an Iraq War veteran and former CIA officer at the Washington, D.C., rally. “Now I see a moment in America where extremists are pushing us toward civil conflict.”
New Jersey saw robust participation, with protests in over 50 communities, including Newark, Trenton, Jersey City, Princeton, Atlantic City, Ocean City, Teaneck, and Vineland.
In Newark, a major rally organized by the People’s Organization for Progress (POP) began at the Lincoln Statue and marched to the Federal Building.
POP Chairman Lawrence Hamm condemned “corrupt, fascist, racist, and imperialist policies,” citing concerns from healthcare cuts and immigration raids to price increases.
In Princeton, demonstrators held signs reading “No Kings Since 1776” and “I like my government like I like my whiskey—No ICE,” linking current political resistance to the country’s founding ideals.
Similar scenes unfolded nationwide. In Los Angeles, a 72-year-old dressed as SpongeBob SquarePants explained her costume was meant to show protestors could be serious without being threatening.
In New York, a woman named Nicole, recovering from cancer, said she was protesting after receiving notice that her health insurance would be canceled—connecting her personal crisis to national policy decisions.
Anti-establishment progressive Democrat Lisa McCormick warned that millions of Americans could soon face similar circumstances, as Republicans are cutting $1 trillion from Medicaid and allowing the expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies that may double health insurance premiums for many more.
McCormick chided current Democratic House, Senate, and DNC leadership for their failure, or refusal, to stop Trump’s radical GOP policy agenda from moving forward.
“Millions of Americans are marching in cities across the US, decrying the government’s swift drift into authoritarianism under President Donald Trump,” said McCormick. “We have seen evidence of Trump’s tyranny from January 20 to October 1, before Democrats in Congress decided to wake up and do something.”
McCormick said members of the political establishment are ineffectual because they are trying to serve two masters, the people and the billionaire campaign contributors who are part of a “parasite class.”
American citizens abroad joined in solidarity, staging rallies in European capitals such as Madrid and London. Many expressed fears that the Trump administration was damaging the country’s global reputation and undermining democratic institutions.
International voices added perspective. Massimo Mascoli, a 68-year-old New Jersey resident who grew up in Italy, told the BBC he feared the U.S. was following a path similar to his home country’s descent into authoritarianism in the 20th century.
The movement’s name—“No Kings”—was a direct response to what many see as presidential overreach. Protesters rejected accusations of being unpatriotic, instead framing their actions as a defense of democracy.
Political reactions reflected deep divisions. President Trump dismissed the label in a Fox News interview, saying, “I’m not a king.”
Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson alleged that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer was promoting a rally “openly sponsored by Communists,” while Democrats embraced the protests as a grassroots awakening.
Senator Bernie Sanders, addressing a large crowd in Washington, said, “We’re here because we love America. We’re here to honor the sacrifices of those who fought for our democracy and freedoms.”
As the sun set on a day of massive but peaceful demonstrations, the political landscape appeared changed. Protesters voiced a clear message: power in a democracy belongs not to any one individual, but to the people.
For many, the protests were a call to action—and a reminder that civic participation remains one of the strongest tools to preserve democratic institutions.