Protesters gathered across the U.S. on Saturday for “No Kings” demonstrations against the current U.S. leadership under President Donald Trump. These rallies, labeled as “Hate America” by the president’s Republican Party, mark the third large-scale mobilization since Trump’s return to the White House earlier this year during a government shutdown that has caused the closure of federal programs and services, intensifying the power struggle between the executive branch, Congress, and the judiciary.
Critics expressed frustration over accusations questioning their patriotism. Demonstrators in Bethesda, Md., emphasized the importance of protesting as a patriotic act. In Washington, D.C., Brian Reymann, carrying an American flag, denounced being labeled a terrorist by Republicans and highlighted his belief in their love for the country, albeit with divergent political views.
While Trump was away in Florida, he rejected claims of being a monarch, emphasizing his presidential role in a televised interview before attending a high-profile fundraising event. Over 2,600 rallies were scheduled on the day in various cities, showcasing a growing unified opposition movement compared to past protests this year.
Leading Democrats like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders joined the demonstrations to counter what they perceive as authoritarian actions by the current administration, including restrictions on free speech and aggressive immigration enforcement tactics.
Global solidarity rallies were also held, with support coming from cities worldwide, including Montreal, where residents expressed solidarity with American democratic values. Republicans, however, criticized the rallies as disruptive and outside mainstream politics, attributing them to the ongoing government shutdown.
Democrats, who have refused to vote on reopening the government without healthcare funding, see the shutdown as a means to challenge Trump and assert the legislative branch’s role in the U.S. political system. The shift in Democratic strategy from earlier this year reflects a more unified front against the current administration’s policies.
