Orbán’s friend in danger? Millions take to the streets across the US in unprecedented No Kings protests against Trump

Coordinated protests against President Donald Trump and his administration swept across the United States on Saturday, as millions of Americans joined the latest “No Kings” demonstrations in what organisers describe as one of the largest protest movements in recent years.

According to organisers, rallies were announced at around 3,100 locations nationwide, spanning major cities and rural communities alike. Participation is expected to surpass the estimated 7 million people who took part in similar protests last October, which shows the scale and persistence of public discontent.

Minneapolis at the heart of the movement

The central event of the protest series took place in Minneapolis, chosen for its symbolic significance following a fatal confrontation earlier this year involving federal immigration authorities. Two activists were killed during a January protest linked to immigration enforcement, an incident that has since become a rallying point for demonstrators.

Organisers anticipated between 80,000 and 100,000 participants in Minneapolis alone. The event also featured a performance by Bruce Springsteen, who debuted a song inspired by the events, titled “Streets of Minneapolis”.

Protests spread from major cities to rural America

Large crowds gathered in cities such as New York City and Washington, D.C., where thousands marched through downtown areas carrying anti-Trump signs and chanting slogans. Some demonstrators called for systemic political change, with demands ranging from immigration reform to broader institutional reforms.

Protesters voiced concerns over a range of issues, including the use of federal immigration enforcement agencies, rising living costs, foreign policy decisions, and proposed changes to voting procedures.

Organisers emphasised that the geographical spread of the demonstrations shows dissatisfaction is no longer confined to traditionally liberal urban centres, but is increasingly visible in smaller towns and rural regions.

White House dismisses protests as politically driven

According to Telex, the White House responded critically to the demonstrations, describing them as the product of a “left-wing funded network” with limited genuine public backing (do millions mean limited backing? – ed.). Officials also downplayed their significance, portraying the events as politically motivated rather than reflective of widespread societal concern.

Despite the political pushback, the largely peaceful protests (aside from a handful of minor arrests in cities such as Los Angeles and Dallas) show a growing mobilisation across the country.

A nation increasingly polarised

The “No Kings” movement is the sign of a deepening divide within American society, with millions taking to the streets to express frustration over governance, policy direction, and democratic norms.

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