Massive Turnout Expected As No Kings Movement Gears Up For Weekend

Bonisiwe Shabane

-Dec 30, 2025, 5:17 PM

massive turnout expected as no kings movement gears up for weekend

Organizers of the No Kings protests are projecting that millions of Americans will demonstrate against the policies of the Trump administration on Saturday, amid ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests and the deployment of... "The purpose here is to stand in solidarity, to organize, to defend our democracy and protect each other and our communities, and just say enough is enough," said Lisa Gilbert, co-president of Public Citizen,... "We've been watching the Trump administration's abuses of power, and millions took to the streets in June," she said. Some Republicans have decried the protests as anti-American. House Speaker Mike Johnson called it a "hate America rally." This summer, droves of demonstrators protested on the Army's 250th anniversary, which coincided with President Trump's birthday.

In celebration of the date, Trump insisted on a massive military parade that critics said was meant to honor Trump as much as the armed service. Demonstrators take part in a protest against the Trump administration during the No Kings national rally in downtown Los Angeles on June 14, the same day as President Trump's military parade in Washington, D.C. Ringo Chiu/AFP via Getty Images hide caption Organizers of the No Kings protests are projecting that millions of Americans will demonstrate against the policies of the Trump administration on Saturday, amid ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrests and the deployment of... "The purpose here is to stand in solidarity, to organize, to defend our democracy and protect each other and our communities, and just say enough is enough," said Lisa Gilbert, co-president of Public Citizen,... "We've been watching the Trump administration's abuses of power, and millions took to the streets in June," she said.

Some Republicans have decried the protests as anti-American. House Speaker Mike Johnson called it a "hate America rally." Listen to this article in summarized format (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates. (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.)

Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates. There were no reports of violence or arrests at the rallies Activists and advocacy groups staged a second round of "No Kings" protests across the country on Saturday in response to what they call abuse of power by President Donald Trump and his administration, including... Photos and videos of events from Boston to Los Angeles showed huge crowds of demonstrators carrying signs protesting the administration's policies such as mass deportations. Republicans contended the protests were "hate America" rallies and claimed they're prolonging the federal government shutdown. There were no immediate reports of violent incidents or arrests, according to local police departments.

Organizers of the “No Kings” movement are predicting an unprecedented turnout for their nationwide protests this weekend. The demonstrations, planned for several major U.S. cities, aim to challenge what organizers describe as increasing political overreach and the erosion of democratic values. The movement, which began as a grassroots campaign earlier this year, has gained momentum through social media and university networks. Supporters are rallying under the slogan “Power Belongs to the People,” and organizers expect crowds to swell into the tens of thousands by Saturday. At its core, the “No Kings” movement stands for decentralization of power and accountability among political leaders.

Organizers argue that the current system has drifted too far from its democratic roots, giving too much influence to a small group of elites. Their rallies often feature speakers from diverse backgrounds — activists, academics, and everyday citizens — who emphasize civic engagement and the need for transparent governance. While critics accuse the movement of being vague in its goals, participants insist that their message is clear: they want checks and balances restored and the public’s voice strengthened in policymaking. “We’re not against leadership,” one organizer said, “we’re against unchecked authority. No one should rule like a king in a democracy.” Authorities in major cities including Washington D.C., New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles are preparing for the possibility of significant disruptions.

City officials have coordinated with police departments to ensure public safety and manage traffic flow during the marches. Local governments are also encouraging peaceful demonstrations, citing the movement’s emphasis on nonviolent protest. However, past rallies have occasionally seen confrontations between participants and counter-protesters. Law enforcement agencies are on alert to prevent any escalation. Despite the logistical challenges, many city officials have acknowledged the movement’s growing influence. “This is a moment of civic expression,” one city spokesperson noted.

“Our goal is to protect that right while maintaining order.” The “No Kings” movement has attracted a diverse coalition of participants — from students and labor organizers to environmental activists and civil rights groups. What unites them is a shared frustration with the concentration of power and a sense that citizens’ voices are being sidelined. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok have played a central role in spreading the word. Viral videos and trending hashtags have helped mobilize thousands, with organizers using digital tools to coordinate logistics, share safety tips, and provide live updates. Analysts note that the movement’s decentralized structure mirrors its philosophy — there is no single leader or governing committee.

Instead, decisions are made collaboratively through online forums and local assemblies, reflecting the group’s anti-hierarchical stance. Reactions to the “No Kings” protests have varied sharply along political lines. Progressive leaders have expressed cautious support, saying that public engagement is essential to preserving democracy. Some centrist figures, however, have criticized the movement for lacking clear policy proposals, while conservatives have dismissed it as performative activism. Still, political strategists acknowledge the potential impact of such a widespread show of civic discontent. With elections approaching, large-scale protests like these can shape national conversations about power, representation, and trust in government institutions.

SkyFOX video shows thousands of anti-Trump demonstrators marching in New York City for Saturday's "No Kings" protests. NEW YORK - Hundreds of "No Kings Day" protests took place across the United States on Saturday, including in the New York City area, today, to speak out against many of the Trump administration's... FOX 5 NY is streaming live coverage of the protests in NYC and around the U.S. To stream from anywhere, you can watch live in the media player above or download our app, FOX LOCAL, to watch on your smart TV or phone. The demonstrations could cause even more traffic disruptions as the day goes on. "No Kings" protests broke out in New York City and across the United States on Saturday.

More than 100,000 people took to the streets across New York's five boroughs, according to the NYPD. Mike Pesoli, Associated Press Mike Pesoli, Associated Press Gary Fields, Associated Press Gary Fields, Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — Protesting the direction of the country under President Donald Trump, people gathered Saturday in the nation's capital and communities across the U.S. for " No Kings " demonstrations — what the president's Republican Party is calling "Hate America" rallies. Watch speakers at the 'No Kings' protest in Washington, D.C.

in the video player above. They rallied with signs like "Nothing is more patriotic than protesting" or "Resist Fascism," and in many places it looked more like a street party. There were marching bands, a huge banner with the U.S. Constitution's "We The People," preamble that people could sign, and protesters in frog costumes, which have emerged as a sign of resistance in Portland, Oregon.

Massive Turnout Expected As No Kings Movement Gears Up For Weekend

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