Large crowds partook in the 'No Kings' protests against President Trump across major cities in the United States, including New York, Washington DC, Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles. The demonstrations were characterized by a plethora of signs declaring Democracy not Monarchy and The Constitution is not optional. Estimates suggest nearly seven million participants joined hands in a peaceful show of resistance.
In NYC, Times Square was filled with chants of This is what democracy looks like underscored by a near-constant drumbeat. Despite the accusations from Trump allies linking the protests to the far-left Antifa movement, law enforcement reported that all gatherings remained peaceful, with no arrests made.
Protests emerged as a reaction to Trump's expansion of executive powers and his actions perceived as authoritarian. Supporters at rallies rejected claims of being anti-American, reinforcing their love for democracy. Prominent figures like Bernie Sanders spoke at events, urging unity and democratic values.
The 'No Kings' protests not only swept across the American landscape, but also resonated globally, showing solidarity through protests in cities from Berlin to Toronto. As demonstrators rallied underneath the banner of democracy, the underlying message against authoritarianism reverberated worldwide.
