Millions rally across US in ‘No Kings’ protests against Trump’s policies
Nationwide demonstrations span 2,700 cities as citizens denounce administration’s actions amid government shutdown
United States, Oct 19 : The ‘No Kings’ protests drew an estimated seven million participants across the United States on Sunday, as citizens voiced strong opposition to President Donald Trump’s administration and policies, CNN reported, citing organisers.
Demonstrations took place in more than 2,700 cities and towns, marking one of the largest coordinated protest movements in recent years. The turnout surpassed the first round of protests held in June, which drew around five million participants.
According to police and local authorities, the rallies remained largely peaceful, with no reports of arrests or major incidents.
In Chicago, the epicentre of Trump’s immigration enforcement, protesters waved upside-down American flags and carried signs reading “Hands Off Chicago.” Many also displayed Mexican and Pride flags, symbolising solidarity across communities.
In Los Angeles, crowds marched through city streets dressed in inflatable costumes, waving American flags in a carnival-like atmosphere. Meanwhile, in Washington D.C., current and former federal employees gathered along Pennsylvania Avenue on Day 18 of the government shutdown, calling for unity and an end to divisive political rhetoric.
Despite the growing dissent, the White House appeared dismissive of the demonstrations. In a controversial social media post shared on X, the official account posted a screengrab of President Trump wearing an Emperor’s crown, sparking fresh outrage online.
The protests come amid heightened political tension, as Congress remains deadlocked over a federal funding bill, leaving parts of the government shut down.
While Democratic leaders voiced support for the protesters, Republican lawmakers criticised the movement, calling it “anti-American.”
In New York City, where more than 100,000 people joined marches across all five boroughs, the NYPD reported that demonstrations concluded peacefully.
“We had over 100,000 people peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights, and the NYPD made zero protest-related arrests,” the department said in a statement on X.
By Sunday evening, most protests had dispersed, but organisers vowed to continue mobilising nationwide until, as one banner in Chicago read, “democracy is louder than the crown.”
