Massive nationwide protests against US President Donald Trump are expected on Saturday as millions of people vent fury over what they see as his authoritarian bent and other forms of cruel, law-trampling governance.
It is the third “No Kings” protest in less than a year, the most vocal and visual conduit for opposition to Trump since he began his second term in January 2025.
Protesters now have fresh grievances — the ongoing war in Iran that Trump launched alongside Israel, with shifting goals and timelines.
The first “No Kings” protest occurred in June 2025 on Trump’s 79th birthday, coinciding with a military parade in Washington. Several million people turned out across the country.
The second protest in October 2025 drew an estimated seven million participants, according to organisers.
Organisers hope Saturday’s demonstrations will be even larger, as Trump’s approval rating hovers around 40% and midterm elections approach in November.
Trump supporters in the “Make America Great Again” movement worship him, while his opponents loathe what they describe as his rule by executive decree, use of the Justice Department against rivals, embrace of fossil fuels, attacks on diversity programs, and military actions abroad despite campaigning as a man of peace.
“Since the last time we marched, this administration has dragged us deeper into war,” said Naveed Shah of Common Defense, a veterans group part of the “No Kings” movement.
“At home, we’ve watched citizens killed in the streets by militarized forces. We’ve seen families torn apart and immigrant communities targeted. All of it done in the name of one man trying to rule like a king,” Shah said.
Springsteen in Minneapolis
Organisers say more than 3,000 rallies are planned across major cities, suburbs, rural areas, and even remote places like Kotzebue, Alaska, above the Arctic Circle.
Minnesota will be a major focal point. Legendary rocker Bruce Springsteen, a fierce Trump critic, is scheduled to perform in St. Paul his song “Streets of Minneapolis,” written in memory of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were shot and killed by federal agents during earlier protests against Trump’s immigration policies.
“Masked secret police terrorizing our communities. An illegal, catastrophic war putting us in danger and driving up our costs. Attacks on our freedom of speech, our civil rights, our freedom to vote. Costs pushing families to the brink. Trump wants to rule over us as a tyrant,” the “No Kings” movement stated.
Organisers note that two-thirds of those planning to rally on Saturday do not live in big cities — a sharp increase from previous protests.
“America is at an inflection point,” said Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers.
“People are afraid, and they can’t afford basic necessities. It’s time the administration listened and helped them build a better life rather than stoking hate and fear.”
