Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across the United States and Europe over the weekend to protest what they describe as President Donald Trump’s “authoritarian rule.”
The coordinated demonstrations, branded No Kings, saw more than 2,600 rallies in major US cities, including Washington DC, New York, Los Angeles, Boston and Portland. Protesters accused the Trump administration of undermining democratic principles through controversial policy moves, such as challenging birthright citizenship and intensifying immigration raids.
Organisers said the rallies symbolised resistance to what they called an attempt to turn the presidency into a monarchy, with placards and chants denouncing what they referred to as “fascist rule.”
The White House dismissed the protests, calling them a “hate America” event.
Debbie Rosenman from Michigan said: “We are here today for ‘No Kings 2.0.’ Things have gotten worse in our country. We are taking to the streets. This is not a ‘Hate America’ rally. This is a ‘Love America’ rally.”
The movement, now in its second year, drew solidarity protests across Europe, with hundreds gathering in cities such as Berlin, Madrid, Lisbon and Paris. Demonstrators there criticised Trump for weakening the United States’ standing on the global stage.
The widespread rallies reflect mounting public unease with what critics view as an erosion of democratic norms under the Trump administration.
Faridah Adulkadiri
About the Author
