Huge crowds of demonstrators have staged “No Kings” protests in major US cities, including New York, Washington DC, Chicago, and Los Angeles, criticising President Donald Trump’s recent expansion of presidential power.
Thousands gathered in New York City’s Times Square and surrounding streets, holding signs with slogans such as “Democracy not Monarchy” and “The Constitution is not optional.” Chants of “This is what democracy looks like” echoed through the massive crowds, which the New York Police Department estimated exceeded 100,000 across the city’s five boroughs. No arrests were reported.
The demonstrations come amid heightened tension over the President’s actions since his return to the White House in January. Mr. Trump has used executive orders to dismantle parts of the federal government and deployed National Guard troops to US cities, often overriding the objections of state governors. He has also openly called for law enforcement officials to prosecute his political rivals.
Allegations of Authoritarianism
Critics warn that the administration’s moves are unconstitutional and pose a direct threat to American democratic institutions, accusing the President of behaving like an authoritarian.
Organisers stated that the nationwide events, which reportedly drew millions of participants, were peaceful. However, ahead of the demonstrations, allies of President Trump condemned the rallies, labelling them a “hate America rally” and accusing protesters of links to the far-left Antifa movement.
Addressing the accusations of authoritarianism, President Trump appeared to respond in a preview clip of an interview set to air on Sunday. “A king! This is not an act,” Mr. Trump stated. “You know – they’re referring to me as a king. I’m not a king.”
Despite the President’s dismissals, the ongoing protests underscore the deep political polarisation and legal debate surrounding the scope and limits of presidential authority in the United States.
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