On Saturday, millions of Americans participated in “No Kings Day” protests across the nation, with elected officials either joining the marches or poking fun at them.
Roughly 2,600 demonstrations were organized to voice discontent with the Trump administration, reaching all 50 states. These protests occurred in both small towns and significant cities like New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, New Orleans, Miami, and Portland, Oregon.
In Illinois, tensions escalated as President Trump clashed with Democratic Governor J.B. Pritzker over the National Guard’s deployment in Chicago and surrounding areas. Pritzker referred to the protests as “democracy in action” on social media.
“I’m proud of our country for peacefully showing up and raising our voices against Donald Trump’s grip on our democracy,” Pritzker shared.
He added, “There is no king. Not now, not ever.”
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) also spoke to demonstrators: “We will not back down. We will not bow down. Chicago will not submit to Trump’s authoritarian rule. I will use every resource to protect our city until Trump ceases his attacks on our workers.”
In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott (R) called the protests “antifa-related” and sent in the Texas National Guard, but local police commended the peaceful demonstrators.
The Austin police department stated, “We thank everyone who participated in today’s No King March. The rally remained peaceful, and no arrests were made. We appreciate the community and organizers for safely raising their voices.”
Senator John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) joined protestors for a photo, asserting that “Colorado will not bow to any king.”
Over on the West Coast, Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) expressed gratitude to “all the patriots who peacefully made their voices heard across Washington state,” emphasizing that democracy was alive and well.
California Governor Gavin Newsom acknowledged that about 25,000 people attended the San Diego protests, with no reported arrests.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) noted the city hosted ten separate marches, highlighting that “tens of thousands were peacefully exercising their First Amendment rights, firmly rejecting military involvement in our cities.”
In Washington, D.C., Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) greeted protestors, stating, “From our nation’s Capitol to cities across California, millions stand united for our democracy.”
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) also spoke at the D.C. protests, thanking participants across the country for voicing that “there is no king.”
While Democrats showed solidarity with the protests, many Republicans ridiculed them. President Trump shared a mocked video of himself wearing a crown and piloting a fighter jet, complete with a comedic soundtrack and a scene of a jet flying over Times Square.
Another video, depicting Trump with a crown and a dramatic sword-drawing moment, contrasted Democrats kneeling in honor of George Floyd in 2020, which drew sarcastic commentary.
Senator Chuck Schumer shared a photo with protestors, asserting, “We will not let Trump continue to undermine our democracy,” while House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) shot back, sharing a post that critiqued the protests.
Rep. Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) humorously posted a video of himself outside a Burger King, dressed in a crown and holding a hamburger, affirming that while America has no king, it does have a solid president.
Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) responded to a video of protestors in Texas, commenting on the demographics involved. “Baby boomers have to go boom,” he remarked.
