Millions gather across United States (ANI image)
Nearly seven million people on Saturday took part in the second round of nationwide “No Kings” protests, showing their concern about democracy in the United States. The protests happened in more than 2,700 cities and towns, from big cities to small towns.For many, joining the protest was a personal experience. Peggy Cole, a retired government worker from Flint, Michigan, said she and a friend drove almost 10 hours to Washington, DC, to take part and celebrate her 70th birthday.“It seems to me, (Trump is) taking our government, our democracy, and dismantling it piece by piece, slowly, but surely, if we sit by and don’t do anything about it,” she said.A celebration of democracy:The protests emphasized the importance of citizenship, free speech, and civic responsibility. Demonstrators waved American flags, chanted slogans such as “This is what democracy looks like” and “No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here”.
They held signs opposing authoritarianism, immigration policies and perceived threats to democratic institutions. Many wore yellow, symbolizing unity and nonviolent resistance, while others donned costumes from dinosaurs to unicorns, highlighting the peaceful and creative nature of the events, according to CNN. Speakers at rallies across the country stressed the stakes for democracy. In Atlanta, Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock told attendees: “Our message is very clear. This is not about the people in power, it’s about the power in the people.”Activists reminded crowds of the civil rights legacy of their cities, connecting current protests to a longstanding tradition of grassroots political action.Voices from across the States:Participants included first-time demonstrators and lifelong activists alike. A protester in New York City, who has been involved in activism since the 1960s, said, “Now our entire democracy is being threatened, the basic tenets, the press, the judiciary. I’m hoping together, we can all save democracy.”In Washington, DC, attendees dressed in Revolutionary War-era clothing underscored the historical significance of the message, emphasizing that America belongs to its people, not “kings.”The movement drew support from diverse communities, including immigrants, federal workers affected by the ongoing government shutdown and advocates for health care and social services. Demonstrators voiced concerns over federal immigration raids, National Guard deployments and cuts to programs affecting vulnerable populations. In Los Angeles, protesters called for an end to ICE operations, while participants in Chicago highlighted the impact of immigration enforcement on families.Despite some isolated incidents including a firearm brandished in South Carolina and confrontations in Georgia, the protests remained largely peaceful. Organizers, led by the Indivisible Project, had trained tens of thousands of participants in nonviolent action and de-escalation, aiming to ensure safety and inclusivity amid rising political tensions.Political context and response: The rallies come amid growing criticism of President Donald Trump’s policies and executive actions, which organizers describe as “authoritarian.” Republican leaders dismissed the movement, with House Speaker Mike Johnson referring to the protests as “Hate America rallies.” Trump himself remained at Mar-a-Lago over the weekend, insisting he is “not a king” while his campaign account posted an AI-generated video of him dressed as a monarch, mocking the demonstrations.Despite partisan reactions, the sheer scale of the protests underscores a widespread public concern over the direction of the country. From small towns in Nebraska and North Carolina to major cities like New York, Chicago and Washington, participants voiced a shared message: a commitment to democratic principles, free speech, and the rights of all citizens.Significance of the movement:The “No Kings” movement is a nationwide protest against the concentration of power in the executive branch and what organizers see as an erosion of democratic norms. The name itself is symbolic, rejecting the idea of a “king”, a supreme, unchecked authority and emphasizing that in the United States, no individual should hold power beyond constitutional limits.The first “No Kings Day” took place on June 14, coinciding with a military parade in Washington, DC, celebrating the US Army’s 250th anniversary and President Trump’s birthday. That initial protest highlighted concerns over militarism, spectacle and consolidation of power. The Saturday’s protest, “No Kings II,” is a continuation of the movement, reinforcing themes of democratic accountability, civil liberties and resistance to authoritarian tendencies.Protesters cite several reasons for returning to the streets. They point to escalating executive actions, including immigration crackdowns, deployment of federal forces in local cities, perceived threats to elections and restrictions on dissenting voices. These, according to organizers, demonstrate a testing of democratic limits.Concerns over free speech and civil rights also drive participation. Protesters highlight arrests at peaceful demonstrations, increased federal interventions and the suppression of organized dissent as evidence that constitutional rights are under pressure.Supporters of the movement emphasize that it is urgent to maintain public pressure on the administration, to ensure that democracy remains protected, accountable and inclusive. Go to Source
