Over 3,000 protests, with millions participating, were held worldwide Saturday to demonstrate against the Trump administration’s policies.
Minneapolis Demonstrations and Fatalities
The main Saturday demonstration took place in Minneapolis, the site of a controversial immigration enforcement operation where two demonstrators, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were killed by law enforcement officials. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Senator Bernie Sanders, Bruce Springsteen, and Joan Baez were among those who spoke at a rally before the state capitol.
Springsteen wrote a song about the events in Minneapolis, and Governor Walz, while introducing him, stated that America does not need “any f***ing kings.”
Walz’s Criticism of Trump
“When an aspiring dictator in the White House sent his untrained, aggressive thugs to harm Minnesota, you, Minnesota, stood up for your neighbors, stood up for decency, stood up for kindness,” Walz said, referring to Trump as an “orange clown.”
Impact on Individuals and Systemic Issues
Actress and activist Jane Fonda read a letter from Becca Good, the wife of Renee Good, who was shot by an ICE agent. Becca Good wrote that the lives of everyone present when her wife was killed – including the agents – were destroyed. She also stated that the current situation is a result of deeper problems, including divisive rhetoric, escalating tensions, and the sowing of fear, and called for addressing the root causes of these issues.
Scale of the “No Kings” Protests
Approximately 3,300 protests were held, with an estimated 8 million demonstrators participating. This represents a record number of protest locations, surpassing the previous high of 3,300, with participation increasing by 1 million from October and 3 million from the initial protests in June.
Demonstrations Across the United States
The “flagship” event in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and Saint Paul) drew around 200,000 participants. Significant demonstrations also occurred in Boston, Houston, Chicago, San Francisco, and New York City. Smaller gatherings took place in towns like Woodbridge, Virginia, where approximately 200 people displayed solidarity with passing drivers.
Protest Themes and Concerns
The protests, under the “No Kings” banner, were not focused on a single issue. Participants expressed opposition to the war with Iran, ICE actions, corruption, and Trump’s friendly relationship with Vladimir Putin. Signs read “Say No to Trumputin” and “Pride in the Country, Shame for the Government.”
Personal Motivations for Protest
Lynn, a 44-year-old businesswoman, stated she was protesting because what is happening in the country is not normal, and she was glad to not be alone in her feelings. Another demonstrator on Manhattan noted that not everyone was solely protesting the war in Iran, with some focused on issues affecting the transgender community.
White House and Republican Response
The White House dismissed the protests as “therapy sessions for people suffering from Trump anxiety,” stating that only reporters paid to cover them were interested. A spokesperson also claimed the protests were funded by “leftist networks.” The National Republican Congressional Committee criticized the demonstrations, calling them a platform for “America-hating crazies.”
Incidents and Arrests
While largely peaceful, several arrests were made. In Los Angeles, authorities used tear gas near a federal detention center, and several individuals were arrested for failing to disperse. In Denver, police declared a demonstration unlawful and used smoke grenades after protesters blocked a road and refused to move, with some throwing grenades back at officers. At least nine arrests were made.
International Demonstrations
Demonstrations were also planned in over a dozen countries across Europe, Latin America, and Australia. In countries with constitutional monarchies, the protests were referred to as “No to Tyrants.”
Demonstrations in Europe
In London, organizers estimated up to 500,000 people participated in a demonstration against the British far-right, while police estimated the crowd size at around 50,000. In Rome, thousands marched, chanting slogans against Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and protesting Israeli and American attacks on Iran, calling for a “world free from wars.” In Paris, several hundred Americans living in France, along with labor unions and human rights organizations, gathered at the Bastille.