Nationwide 'No Kings' Protests Draw Millions Opposing Trump Administration
Millions across the U.S. participate in 'No Kings' protests, with flagship events in Minnesota, opposing the Trump administration's policies.
On Saturday, millions of Americans participated in 'No Kings' protests across all 50 states and 16 countries, opposing the Trump administration's policies. Organizers, including Indivisible and 50501, reported over 3,000 events nationwide.
Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, anticipated the March 28 protests to be the largest in American history. The flagship event took place in Minnesota's Twin Cities, recognizing local resistance to increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities. The St. Paul rally featured Senator Bernie Sanders, actor Jane Fonda, and musicians Bruce Springsteen and Joan Baez.
Leah Greenberg, co-founder of Indivisible, noted that more than two-thirds of participants who RSVP’d were from areas outside major urban centers, including Republican-controlled regions and bellwether counties. Organizers cited various issues motivating protesters, from ICE raids to threats against voting rights. Sarah Parker, executive director of Voices of Florida and a national coordinator for the 50501 movement, highlighted concerns over rising gas and grocery prices amid the ongoing conflict in Iran.
The No Kings coalition emphasized the nonviolent nature of the protests, with leaders trained in de-escalation techniques. Participants were instructed not to bring weapons, including legally permitted ones. This follows an incident during the first No Kings Day in June, where a Salt Lake City protester was killed by a local 50501 'peacekeeper' volunteer after being seen carrying a firearm.
While President Trump has refrained from explicitly criticizing the No Kings protests, his administration continues to target and federally prosecute anti-ICE protesters. In a recent Texas trial, nine individuals were found guilty of charges related to 'antifa' terrorism following a Fourth of July demonstration outside a detention facility. In January, Minneapolis residents Renee Good and Alex Pretti were killed by federal immigration agents while documenting the agents' activities.
Organizers addressed reports of ICE agents potentially being present at Saturday's protests, which could pose risks for undocumented and marginalized protesters. Deirdre Schifeling, the American Civil Liberties Union's chief political and advocacy officer, advised that such threats were intimidation tactics and directed attendees to the 'know your rights' materials on the ACLU's website.
The No Kings coalition views the day of action as part of broader efforts to build people power and challenge the Trump administration. Greenberg emphasized that the work continues beyond March 28, stating that No Kings serves as both a powerful day of defiance and an organizing catalyst to support local efforts nationwide.