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Millions of people across the United States gathered on Saturday for nationwide “No Kings” protests denouncing President Trump’s policies, which demonstrators say are steering the country toward militarism and authoritarianism.
The second round of the “No Kings” movement, first held in June, took place in more than 2,500 locations across the country, from Washington, D.C., to Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and other major cities.
Protesters criticized Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops to several Democratic-led states under the pretext of “security,” as well as his administration’s stances on immigration, federal spending cuts and the use of military forces in U.S. cities.
The rallies were organized by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and several advocacy groups working on issues such as abortion rights, education, gun control, health care and social security.
Speaking near the Washington Monument, Independent Senator Bernie Sanders told the crowd, “Millions of Americans are not on the streets because they hate America. We are here because we love America.”
Condemning Trump’s leadership style, Sanders added, “Our message is clear in this dangerous period of American history: No, President Trump, we don’t want you or any other king to rule us.”
Democratic Senator Chris Murphy also addressed protesters, describing Trump as an “authoritarian leader” whose governance has harmed the country.
Among those attending was 101-year-old Bob McCann, who told Anadolu, “We are here today to protest a president who claims to be a king and does everything he can to become one.”
A human rights activist named Terry said, “In the 1960s, we fought for women’s rights and civil rights in Berkeley. Now we’re fighting for democracy and protesting against authoritarianism.”
Another demonstrator, Jill Landsberg, said she was disturbed by the National Guard’s presence in Washington.
“The soldiers aren’t on the streets to protect us from violence, but to suppress free speech,” she said.
Millions had also participated in the first “No Kings Day” protest held on June 15, Trump’s 79th birthday, voicing similar objections to his policies.
Trump, who previously shared an image depicting himself as a king, responded to criticism by saying, “I am not a king.”
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