Washington: Large-scale demonstrations erupted across the United States and several European cities, as millions of people reportedly took part in coordinated “No Kings” rallies opposing the policies of Donald Trump and the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Organisers described the protests as one of the biggest waves of public dissent in recent years, with events held in all 50 US states and dozens more planned internationally. From major urban centres like New York City to smaller towns such as Driggs, crowds gathered to voice concerns over immigration enforcement, civil liberties, and military escalation in West Asia.
Minnesota emerged as the focal point of the movement, with tens of thousands assembling at the State Capitol in St. Paul. Demonstrators filled streets and public spaces, some carrying inverted American flags as a symbol of distress.
The rally featured a performance by Bruce Springsteen, who unveiled a song inspired by recent protests and controversial federal actions. Addressing the crowd, he praised demonstrators for standing up against what he described as heavy-handed governance and said their resistance had inspired people across the country.
Protests were also held in Washington, D.C., where marchers moved from the Lincoln Memorial to the National Mall, chanting slogans and displaying placards criticising the administration. In San Diego, authorities estimated that around 40,000 people joined the demonstrations.
Civil rights advocates, including Donna Lieberman of the New York Civil Liberties Union, said the rallies were meant to counter what they called attempts to discourage public dissent. Protesters highlighted a range of issues, including immigration crackdowns, foreign policy decisions, and rights-related concerns.
However, the demonstrations drew sharp criticism from the White House. Officials dismissed the rallies as politically motivated and lacking genuine public backing. Republican leaders also condemned the events, accusing organisers of promoting divisive narratives.
Beyond the US, protests spread to cities such as London, Paris, and Rome, where participants raised concerns over global conflicts and rising political tensions. In some countries, similar demonstrations were held under alternate themes like “No Tyrants.”
Organisers claimed participation numbers could reach into the millions, citing a steady rise in turnout compared to earlier rallies held this year. While official figures are yet to be confirmed, the scale and geographic spread of the protests underscore growing public engagement with political and international issues.
As tensions persist globally, the “No Kings” movement appears to be gaining momentum, signalling continued public mobilisation in the weeks ahead.
