‘Democracy not Monarchy’: Millions Protest Trump Policies in Massive US Rallies

NEW YORK / WASHINGTON D.C. – Millions of Americans participated in widespread “No Kings” protests across major US cities on Saturday, including New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, and Los Angeles, demonstrating against what critics call an expansion of presidential power under the policies of President Donald Trump.

The demonstrations drew nearly seven million people nationwide, according to organizers, who affirmed the events were overwhelmingly peaceful despite counter-claims by Trump allies who condemned the gatherings as a “hate America rally” potentially linked to the far-left Antifa movement.

In New York City, thousands packed Times Square and surrounding streets. Protesters carried signs with pointed slogans such as “Democracy not Monarchy” and “The Constitution is not optional.”

The New York Police Department (NYPD) estimated over 100,000 people gathered across the city’s five boroughs, reporting no protest-related arrests. Overhead, helicopters and drones monitored the crowds, which frequently erupted into chants of “This is what democracy looks like.”

Freelance writer Beth Zasloff, who joined the New York protest, expressed deep concern over “a move toward fascism and an authoritarian government” and said the massive turnout gave her hope.

The demonstrations follow President Trump’s aggressive actions since returning to the White House in January, including using executive orders to dismantle parts of the federal government and deploying the National Guard to cities despite objections from state governors. He has also publicly called for the prosecution of perceived political enemies.

Critics warn these moves are unconstitutional and pose a direct threat to American democratic principles. Massimo Mascoli, a New Jersey resident who grew up in Italy, voiced alarm that the US was following a path similar to his home country’s past descent into authoritarianism.

“We cannot count on the Supreme Court, we cannot count on the government… We have all the legislative, the executive and judiciary that are all against the American people right now. So we are fighting,” Mascoli told the BBC.

President Trump, in a preview clip of an interview set to air on Fox News Sunday, appeared to address the rallies directly. “A king! This is not an act,” Trump said. “You know – they’re referring to me as a king. I’m not a king.” He continues to insist his actions are necessary to rebuild a country in crisis, dismissing accusations of dictatorial behavior as hysterical.

The mass disapproval comes as a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll shows President Trump’s approval rating at 40%, with 58% disapproving of his performance.