The “No Kings” protest held in Times Square on Saturday drew an impressive crowd of at least 100,000 individuals. This gathering showcased significant public sentiment against President Trump. Different voices from the crowd emphasized their concerns and motivations for participating. Ed, one protester, highlighted a lesson from history. He proclaimed, “History repeats itself,” and warned that America is heading down a dangerous path under Trump’s leadership. He expressed fear that if people remain complacent, the nation could become just “another one of what Trump called the s***hole countries.”
The rally maintained a peaceful atmosphere, with protesters carrying a range of signs, some more confrontational than others. One sign boldly stated “No fuhrers,” featuring a crossed-out swastika. Another clever sign proclaimed, “ICE melts faster under pressure,” pointing to the rising violence against agents within the immigration enforcement agency. Brad voiced his strong disapproval of Trump, asserting, “We have a fascist government in America abetted by a fascist media.” He insisted that Trump’s actions stand contrary to American values and the Constitution, framing the former president as self-serving.
Nicole shared a deeply personal reason for her presence at the protest. Battling her own cancer recovery and facing a cancellation notice for her health insurance, she articulated anger over government spending priorities. “So we can bomb random boats off the coast of Venezuela, spend all this money on ICE terrorizing people, so we can take food and health care away from families,” she remarked. Her words embodied a broader frustration over governmental neglect toward domestic issues.
Laura, a visitor from Seattle, emphasized the urgency of collective action. She said, “If people don’t collectively get the message of disapproval out then we’re going to just give up,” positing that surrendering is not an option. Her personal stakes in this protest were equally poignant, as she voiced concerns about the validity of her marriage under Trump’s agenda. “That’s f****** bull****,” she declared, showcasing the emotional weight of her standing against perceived injustices.
The presence of Antifa stickers and references to anti-government rhetoric permeated the protest. Many demonstrators employed the term “fascist” to describe Trump, even comparing his administration to Nazi Germany. Laura, when questioned about labeling Trump a fascist, replied candidly. “He circumvented so many of our government’s checks and balances,” she stated. Her sharp critique revealed a disdain for what she viewed as incompetence in Trump’s cabinet—suggesting a lack of governance experience and intelligence among his inner circle.
Lenny referred to Trump as a “fool” and a “clown,” emphasizing a belief that the president is unfit for leadership. Others echoed sentiments that “democracy is at stake,” pointing to widespread concern around the erosions of democratic norms and principles. The protests highlighted a critical view of Trump as an overreaching executive, with assertions that he has overstepped his authority.
This “No Kings” movement, which began gaining traction in June, responded to perceptions of authoritarianism tied to the Trump administration. The label of “king”—whether accurate or not—has sparked fierce debate in political circles, with Trump himself denying any such implication. He told Fox News, “They say they’re referring to me as a king. I’m not a king.” This attempt to downplay the characterization reflects the larger discourse around presidential power.
As the protest continued, the voices of the attendees offered a glimpse into the frustrations and fears many Americans are grappling with today. The sheer number of participants showcased how deeply invested people are in shaping their country’s future, reinforcing the notion that dissent, especially in a democracy, is an essential aspect of maintaining accountability in leadership.
"*" indicates required fields
