Since taking office 10 months ago, Trump has stepped up his crackdown on immigration, threatened to cut federal funding for universities over pro-Palestinian protests and diversity policies, and authorized the deployment of National Guard troops to several states. His administration’s moves, critics say, have deepened social divisions and threatened democratic norms.
A wave of protests has swept across US cities, taking place in thousands of locations, from metropolitan areas to small towns. Protesters, a diverse group of people, including teachers, lawyers, retirees, students and children, took to the streets to demand change. The largest protest, dubbed “No Kings,” was a direct challenge to the Trump administration, comparing the president to a monarch and calling for a government without absolute power.
PROTESTS
Across the country, from New York to Los Angeles, the protests took the form of a massive march. In some cities, such as Chicago and San Francisco, demonstrators filled entire city blocks. The atmosphere was peaceful, but the demands were clear: a more humane government and a president who respects citizens’ rights. One of the main demands was to stop the Trump administration’s harsh measures, such as raids on immigrants, the deployment of federal troops in cities, and interference in the justice system. Protesters also demanded the protection of women’s rights, education, and a fair voting system.
In major cities like Washington DC, Atlanta, and Portland, crowds were large, and for many this was an opportunity to show support for democracy and express dissatisfaction with the current government.
A large demonstration was also held in New York, where more than 100,000 people participated, carrying banners and American flags. Protests were spread across the United States, but there were also marches in London and Barcelona, with over 2,600 events organized. Participants included a wide range of people, from young people who took part to defend civil rights, to older people who wanted to defend the Constitution and express their concerns about the Trump administration.
TRUMP’S ANSWER
In the face of this wave of protests, Trump and his supporters have criticized these demonstrations, calling them a “hate rally” and describing it as a danger to the stability of the country. Donald Trump’s response to the “No Kings” protests was a combination of black humor and provocation, using artificial intelligence technology to create a video in which he appears as a “king” in a fighter jet, pouring brown sludge on the protesters.
The clip, which was shared on his Truth Social platform, is a clear attempt to downplay the protests and disparage the organizers, creating an image of him as a powerful and dominating leader, despite critics accusing him of authoritarian tendencies. In the video, Trump appears to protesters as a regal figure, while the video is accompanied by the song “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins, giving it a dramatic and defiant tone against those who see him as a threat to democracy.
This was the third mass mobilization since Donald Trump returned to the White House, a protest that came at a critical moment for the country, when the government was shut down and federal services were suspended. The people are feeling the consequences of an administration that defied every possible norm and that increasingly acted beyond the limits of control. Trump faces off with Congress and the courts, seeking to impose his will by force, which many see as a path to authoritarianism.
Protesters warn of the danger of a regime that could undermine the foundations of democracy. Since taking office ten months ago, Trump has accelerated a crackdown on immigration, threatened to cut federal funding to universities over pro-Palestinian protests and diversity policies, and authorized the deployment of National Guard troops to several states. His administration’s moves, critics say, have deepened social divisions and threatened democratic norms.
