Large-scale protests have erupted across the United States, as demonstrators rallied against the administration of President Donald Trump in what marks the third wave of the “No Kings” movement, which has previously drawn millions of participants nationwide.
Organisers say the protests are aimed at opposing several key policies introduced by Trump, including the ongoing conflict involving Iran, strict federal immigration enforcement, and the rising cost of living.
“Trump wants to rule over us as a tyrant. But this is America, and power belongs to the people – not to wannabe kings or their billionaire cronies,” organisers said.
In response, a spokesperson for the White House dismissed the demonstrations, describing them as “Trump Derangement Therapy Sessions” and adding that the only people who care “are the reporters who are paid to cover them”.
Demonstrations were held in nearly every major US city, including New York City, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Boston, Nashville, and Houston, with additional gatherings reported in smaller towns nationwide.
In Washington DC, large crowds filled the streets, marching through the capital and assembling at major landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall.
As seen in previous protests, demonstrators carried effigies of Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other administration officials, calling for their removal from office and in some cases their arrest.
One of the most prominent rallies took place in Minnesota, where the deaths of two American citizens earlier this year sparked national outrage over immigration enforcement tactics. Thousands gathered outside the State Capitol in St Paul, with several high-profile Democrats addressing the crowd.
Music icon Bruce Springsteen also appeared, performing his anti-immigration enforcement track, “Streets of Minneapolis”.
In New York City, thousands filled Times Square and marched through Manhattan, forcing authorities to close major roads to accommodate the crowds. Previous demonstrations in October reportedly drew more than 100,000 participants across the city’s boroughs.
While many protests remained peaceful, some incidents were recorded. In Los Angeles, authorities confirmed that two individuals were arrested for allegedly assaulting federal officers. The Department of Homeland Security said officers were injured after being hit with cement blocks during unrest near the Roybal Federal Building.
The Los Angeles Police Department also reported multiple arrests after protesters failed to comply with dispersal orders near a federal prison, with “non-lethal measures” used to control the crowd.
Elsewhere, in Dallas, arrests were made following minor clashes between protesters and counter-protesters.
The movement extended beyond US borders, with American expatriates staging protests in cities like Paris, London, and Lisbon.
Despite heightened tensions, organisers insist the demonstrations remain largely peaceful, even as some states deployed the National Guard as a precaution.
Since returning to office in January 2025, Trump has expanded executive authority, issuing orders to restructure parts of the federal government and deploying troops to certain cities despite opposition from state governors.
He has also directed law enforcement agencies to pursue individuals he considers political adversaries.
However, the president has defended his actions, saying they are necessary to rebuild the country and dismissing claims of authoritarianism. “They’re referring to me as a king. I’m not a king,” he said in an interview with Fox News in October.
Critics, however, argue that some of these policies risk undermining democratic institutions and constitutional norms in the United States.
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