Massive protests against Donald Trump

 

Massive protests against Donald Trump across US

Huge crowds of protesters rallied across the United States on Saturday against President Donald Trump, expressing anger over what they describe as his authoritarian style of governance, strict immigration policies, and the ongoing war with Iran.

Organisers claimed that “at least 8 million people” participated in more than 3,300 events across all 50 states, spanning major cities and small towns alike. However, US authorities did not provide an official nationwide estimate.

This marks the third major wave of protests in less than a year under the grassroots movement known as “No Kings,” which has become one of the most visible platforms of opposition since Trump began his second term in January 2025.

In New York City, tens of thousands gathered, including Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro, a longtime critic of Trump, who described the president as “an existential threat to our freedoms and security.”

Demonstrations took place nationwide, from Atlanta to San Diego, with participation even extending to Alaska later in the day.

“No country can govern without the consent of the people,” said Marc McCaughey, a 36-year-old military veteran speaking in Atlanta. “We’re here because we believe the Constitution is under threat in multiple ways. Things are not normal.”

In West Bloomfield near Detroit, demonstrators braved freezing temperatures to join the protests.

Meanwhile, in Washington, D.C., thousands gathered at the National Mall, carrying banners reading “Trump Must Go Now!” and “Fight Fascism.”

Trump himself spent the weekend in Florida.

The protests also spread beyond US borders, with demonstrations in European cities such as Amsterdam, Madrid, and Rome, where around 20,000 people marched under heavy police presence.

“Dragged us deeper into war”

The first nationwide “No Kings” protest took place last June on Trump’s 79th birthday, coinciding with a military parade in Washington. Millions participated across cities from New York City to San Francisco.

A second protest in October drew an estimated seven million participants, according to organisers, who said Saturday’s turnout exceeded that figure by about one million, along with 600 additional demonstrations.

While Trump retains strong support within his “Make America Great Again” base, he remains deeply polarising across the political divide. His approval rating has reportedly fallen below 40 percent ahead of the upcoming midterm elections in November, raising concerns for the Republican Party’s control of Congress.

Critics accuse him of governing through executive orders, using the Justice Department against opponents, supporting fossil fuels while dismissing climate change concerns, and increasingly relying on military force despite campaigning as a pro-peace leader.

“Since the last time we marched, this administration has dragged us deeper into war,” said Naveed Shah of Common Defense, a veterans’ group affiliated with the movement. “At home, we’ve seen citizens killed in the streets, families separated, and immigrant communities targeted — all in the name of one man trying to rule like a king.”

Minnesota in focus

Although protests were held nationwide — including in the Arctic town of Kotzebue — a key focal point was the state of Minnesota.

The twin cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul have recently become central to national debates over Trump’s immigration crackdown.

At a rally in Minnesota, progressive politician Bernie Sanders told supporters: “We will never accept a president who is a pathological liar, a kleptocrat, and a narcissist undermining the Constitution and the rule of law every day.”

Legendary musician Bruce Springsteen also appeared in St. Paul, performing his protest song Streets of Minneapolis before a crowd of tens of thousands.

Springsteen said the song was written in just 24 hours in memory of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, two Americans killed by federal agents during January protests against immigration policies.

“Their bravery, their sacrifice, and their names will not be forgotten,” he said before beginning his performance.