MINNEAPOLIS: Millions of Americans are expected to take to the streets on Saturday in a wave of nationwide protests against President Donald Trump, voicing anger over what they describe as authoritarian policies and disregard for the rule of law.
The protests are part of a grassroots movement called “No Kings”, which has become the most visible outlet for opposition to Trump since he began his second term in January 2025. Saturday’s demonstrations mark the third nationwide protest day organized by the group, this time with heightened criticism over Trump’s war in Iran, launched alongside Israel, which protesters say lacks clear objectives and a defined timeline.
The first nationwide protest coincided with Trump’s 79th birthday in June, during a military parade in Washington, drawing millions of participants from New York to San Francisco. The second “No Kings” day in October reportedly drew around seven million protesters, according to organizers. The goal for Saturday is to surpass previous turnout, especially as Trump’s approval rating hovers around 40 percent and midterm elections approach in November, which could see Republicans lose control of Congress.
Opponents criticize Trump for ruling by executive decree, using the Justice Department against political rivals, rejecting climate policies, rolling back diversity programs, and pursuing military actions abroad despite campaigning as a man of peace.
“Since the last time we marched, this administration has dragged us deeper into war,” said Naveed Shah of Common Defense, a veterans’ group affiliated with the “No Kings” movement. “At home, we’ve seen citizens killed in the streets by militarized forces, families torn apart, and immigrant communities targeted—all in the name of one man trying to rule like a king.”
Organizers say over 3,000 rallies are planned nationwide, including suburban and rural areas, and even in Kotzebue, Alaska, above the Arctic Circle. Minnesota will be a major focus, returning to the spotlight months after the state became central to the national debate over Trump’s immigration policies.
Legendary musician Bruce Springsteen, a vocal critic of Trump, is scheduled to perform in St. Paul. He will play his song “Streets of Minneapolis,” a ballad written in memory of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, who were killed by federal agents during protests against Trump’s immigration crackdown in frigid January weather.
The “No Kings” movement said in a statement, “Masked secret police terrorizing communities, an illegal, catastrophic war, attacks on free speech, civil rights, and the right to vote—all reflect Trump’s desire to rule as a tyrant.” The movement, which began in 2025 as a single day of defiance, has grown into a nationwide campaign of resistance.
According to organizers, roughly two-thirds of Saturday’s planned participants live outside major cities, highlighting the spread of anti-Trump sentiment beyond traditional Democratic strongholds. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, said, “America is at an inflection point. People are afraid, struggling to meet basic needs, and need the administration to listen and help, rather than stoking hate and fear.”
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