Washington, 19 Oct

Large crowds across US cities rallied on Saturday in “No Kings” demonstrations, condemning what they called the government’s slide into authoritarianism under President Donald Trump.

Protesters filled New York City’s Times Square and parks in Boston, Atlanta and Chicago, while marches were held in Washington and Los Angeles, and outside state capitols and courthouses nationwide. Signs reading “Resist Fascism” and “Nothing is more patriotic than protesting” were held aloft as bands played and banners with the US Constitution’s preamble were unfurled.

Republicans derided the gatherings as “Hate America” rallies, but the events often resembled festive street parties. Protesters in Portland donned inflatable frog costumes, a new symbol of resistance.

It was the third major mobilisation since Trump’s return to the White House and came amid a prolonged government shutdown. Organisers warned of a growing threat to democratic institutions as the administration clashed with Congress and the courts.

In Washington, Iraq War veteran Shawn Howard said he was protesting for the first time because of the Trump administration’s “disregard for the law”. “I fought for freedom abroad,” he said. “Now I see extremism here at home.”

Trump, at Mar-a-Lago for a fundraiser, dismissed the criticism. “They say they’re calling me a king. I’m not a king,” he told Fox News. Later, a Trump campaign account mocked protesters with a video depicting him as a monarch.

Nationwide demonstrations

In San Francisco, hundreds spelt out “No King!” on Ocean Beach. Hayley Wingard, dressed as the Statue of Liberty, said she was driven to protest after military deployments in cities such as Los Angeles and Portland. “I don’t want troops in our streets. That’s scary,” she said.

In Salt Lake City, demonstrators gathered at the Utah State Capitol to honour a protester killed during June’s “No Kings” march. In Birmingham, Alabama — a historic centre of the Civil Rights Movement — more than 1,500 people joined the rally.

“It feels like we’re living in an America I don’t recognise,” said Jessica Yother, a mother of four. “But being here, surrounded by others who care, gives me hope.”

Organisers hope to build an opposition movement

Organisers said the protests aimed to unify opponents of Trump’s policies and mobilise civic participation. “Big rallies like this give confidence to people who have been on the sidelines,” said Democratic Senator Chris Murphy.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Independent Senator Bernie Sanders joined rallies, denouncing Trump’s clampdown on free speech and military-style immigration raids.

Over 2,600 rallies were planned nationwide, organisers said — more than double the number held earlier this year against Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk. “We’re here because we love America,” Sanders told the crowd in Washington. “The American experiment is in danger, but we the people will rule.”

Republican critics denounce the demonstrations

Republicans sought to portray the protests as extremist and blamed them for prolonging the 18-day government shutdown.

House Speaker Mike Johnson called them the “Hate America rally,” accusing participants of being “Marxists” and “antifa types”. GOP leaders said Democratic figures like Schumer were catering to the far left.

Protesters responded with humour, saying they would counter Trump’s theatrics with resilience. Despite the massive turnout, New York police reported no arrests.