Demonstrators gathered in cities across the United States on Saturday for a nationwide series of “No Kings” protests focused on policies and actions of President Donald Trump’s administration.

The demonstrations were organized by the No Kings coalition, a network of progressive organizations that says it is opposing what it considers an expansion of presidential power. Organizers estimated that millions of people could participate in about 2,600 events nationwide.

The protests marked the second major wave of demonstrations organized by the coalition. Earlier protests in June were held in response to a military parade marking the Army’s 250th anniversary, which coincided with Trump’s 79th birthday. Organizers said the latest demonstrations were also intended to highlight immigration enforcement, federal education and environmental policies, and concerns about political redistricting.

In Washington, D.C., one of the largest gatherings took place along Pennsylvania Avenue near the U.S. Capitol. Demonstrators carried signs including “No Kings, No Tyrants,” while some participants wore costumes and many wore yellow, which organizers described as a symbol of unity.

Sen. Bernie Sanders addressed protesters in Washington and criticized the influence of wealthy technology executives in American politics. Other speakers focused on constitutional government and opposition to policies they disagreed with.

In New York City, protesters gathered in Times Square and other parts of the city. Police estimated that about 100,000 people participated across the five boroughs and said there were no protest-related arrests. Demonstrators carried signs opposing the Trump administration, while some participants in the crowd wore costumes, including one person dressed as the Statue of Liberty.

In Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson addressed protesters and criticized the federal government’s approach to the city and other American communities. His remarks came as the Trump administration sought Supreme Court approval to deploy National Guard troops in Illinois after lower courts blocked the deployment.

Republican leaders criticized the demonstrations. House Speaker Mike Johnson described the protests as a “hate America rally,” while other Republicans characterized the movement as anti-American. No Kings organizers and protesters rejected those descriptions and said the demonstrations were intended to express opposition to government policies and defend constitutional principles.

The White House also dismissed the demonstrations. White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson responded to questions from NPR about the protests by saying, “Who cares?”

Protesters in several cities emphasized that the demonstrations were intended to be peaceful and included people with different political affiliations. In Sarasota, Florida, a local Democratic Party official said the event was nonpartisan despite the party providing signs and refreshments. He said some participants were not Democrats, including people who identified as independents and some Republicans.

In Salt Lake City, Marine Corps veteran Adam Livingston said veterans and active-duty service members should remain loyal to the U.S. Constitution rather than to a political party, ideology or individual.

Immigration was another major theme at demonstrations. In San Pablo, California, Maria Floriano wore clothing decorated with butterflies and spoke about immigration and migration. She said the demonstration was intended to show immigrants that they had supporters in their communities.

Authorities in some states prepared for the possibility of unrest. Republican Govs. Glenn Youngkin of Virginia and Greg Abbott of Texas authorized National Guard personnel to be available if needed. Officials said the deployments were intended to help maintain public safety and respond to potential violence or property damage.

By Saturday evening, the demonstrations appeared to have remained largely peaceful, with no major incidents of violence reported. Local police departments in several cities reported no protest-related arrests.

Organizers said they intended the demonstrations to provide a way for people to publicly express their political views and build community support. The events took place amid continued disputes between the Trump administration, protesters, state governments and political opponents over immigration enforcement, federal policy and the scope of presidential authority.

SOURCE: NPR, Alana Wise and Chandelis Duster, updated October 18, 2025.