Third No Kings Protest Unites Millions in Historic Anti-Trump Demonstrations
On a landmark Saturday, millions of Americans joined forces in the third No Kings national day of protest, staging over 3,000 rallies across all 50 states and in more than a dozen countries. This anti-authoritarian movement, organized by groups like Indivisible and 50501 alongside labor unions and grassroots organizations, is poised to become the largest protest in American history, according to Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible.
Flagship Event in Minnesota Draws Massive Crowd
In the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, an estimated 200,000 protesters flooded the streets around the state capitol. The event featured powerful speeches from independent Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, who criticized the influence of the ultra-rich in politics, and a performance by Bruce Springsteen, who sang his poignant song Streets of Minneapolis to highlight the devastation caused by ICE. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz praised the crowd, emphasizing America's need for "no damn kings" while honoring residents Renee Good and Alex Pretti, whose deaths at the hands of federal agents were memorialized on protest signs.
New York City Sees Diverse and Vocal Contingents
In New York City, multiple No Kings groups converged through Times Square and the outer boroughs. Prominent figures such as state attorney general Letitia James, public advocate Jumaane Williams, actor Robert DeNiro, and the Rev Al Sharpton led the march with banners advocating for democracy and people over billionaires. Protesters carried LGBTQ+ pride and Palestinian flags, with chants and signs focusing on anti-ICE, anti-Trump, and pro-LGBTQ+ rights messages, while a strong anti-war sentiment echoed through the crowds.
Nationwide and Global Participation Highlights Broad Discontent
From Washington DC, where Palestinian mothers waved a 10-foot flag at the Lincoln Memorial, to Chicago's Grant Park, where Mayor Brandon Johnson addressed thousands, the protests spanned deep-red areas like Lebanon, Pennsylvania, and international cities including Tokyo and Sydney. Organizers noted that more than two-thirds of participants came from outside major urban centers, reflecting widespread anger over issues such as ICE raids, voting rights threats, and economic hardships like rising gas prices.
Counterprotests and White House Criticism
Counterprotesters, including pro-Trump demonstrators in West Palm Beach, Florida, clashed with No Kings attendees, though the coalition emphasized nonviolence and de-escalation training. The White House dismissed the events as "Trump Derangement Therapy Sessions," with spokesperson Abigail Jackson attributing them to leftist funding networks. Despite this, the protests underscored ongoing tensions, especially with ICE agents reportedly monitoring rallies, raising risks for undocumented participants.
Looking Beyond the Day of Action
Organizers like Leah Greenberg of Indivisible stressed that No Kings Day is just one step in a broader movement to build people power and resist the Trump administration. With the third protest concluded, the focus shifts to sustained local organizing, as the fight against authoritarian policies continues beyond March 28.
