Millions of people are expected to gather across thousands of locations in the United States on Saturday for a nationwide ‘No Kings’ protest challenging President Donald Trump and his GOP priorities. The event marks the second such rally since Trump took office, with some Democratic members and candidates for Congress expected to attend, according to reports.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., did not provide a clear answer when asked if he would attend one of the rallies Saturday, telling reporters he hasn’t ‘finalized’ his schedule. However, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., as well as House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., both told the press they would be in attendance Saturday. Their involvement signals a strategic outreach to engage with the broader public during this significant event.
Republicans have argued that this second mass ‘No Kings’ protest event is simply an effort to distract from the current government shutdown battle and appease their base. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., expressed hopes that Democratic leaders who attended would be more willing to accept the GOP’s plan after the demonstrations were over — but he did not sound overly optimistic about the outcome.
By around 10:30 a.m. ET, crowds had already begun gathering in New York City’s Times Square, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and in Atlanta. By noon, significant crowds were seen in places like Carrollton, Texas, Charlotte, North Carolina, Arlington, Virginia and the U.S. Embassy in London. The scale of these gatherings indicates a strong public sentiment and the potential for widespread participation in the demonstration.
In the state of Virginia, Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin mobilized the National Guard to help with any potential chaos, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public order while upholding the right to free speech and peaceful assembly. His statement underscores the delicate balance between ensuring security and protecting constitutional rights amidst large-scale protests.
In addition to the protests taking place in the continental United States, demonstrations are also expected in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and Alaska. Protests are also planned for outside the U.S., including in multiple European countries, and there is at least one rally planned in Mexico. This international scope highlights the growing global interest and concern surrounding the political climate in the United States.