The United States Erupts in Anti-Trump Protests

The United States has erupted in massive protests against President Donald Trump’s various policies and what many describe as authoritarian rule. The movement, named “No Kings,” is being regarded as one of the largest political demonstrations in recent U.S. history.

According to a BBC report published on Sunday (October 19), the “No Kings” movement began on Saturday morning (local time) and quickly grew into a sea of people. Millions across the country — including in New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles — took to the streets to protest against President Trump.

At the very beginning of the protests, thousands gathered in New York’s iconic Times Square. Streets and subway entrances were packed with crowds. Many demonstrators carried placards reading slogans such as “Democracy, Not Monarchy” and “The Constitution Is Not Optional.”

Before the demonstrations began, Trump’s allies alleged that the protests were influenced by left-wing group Antifa, even calling them “Hate America Rallies.”

However, organizers and participants insisted that all their activities throughout the day were peaceful. According to their official website, the guiding principles of the “No Kings” movement are nonviolence and conflict avoidance.

The New York Police Department (NYPD) reported that over 100,000 people joined the peaceful protests in the city, with no arrests made. A police officer stationed at Times Square estimated that at least 20,000 people marched along Seventh Avenue.

Author and editor Beth Jusluff, who joined the demonstration, said:

“The authoritarian tendencies of the Trump administration deeply worry and anger me. I love New York, and it feels good to stand here with so many people.”

According to the BBC, since his return to the White House, Trump has been aggressively exercising executive power — withholding congressionally approved funds, dismantling parts of the federal administration, imposing heavy tariffs on other countries, and deploying the National Guard in several states despite objections from governors.

Trump, however, has defended his actions as essential for “rebuilding the nation.” Dismissing accusations of being a dictator or fascist, he called such claims “insane.” Critics argue, though, that many of Trump’s actions are unconstitutional and pose a serious threat to American democracy.