‘No Kings’: Millions take to US streets as anti-Trump protests swell

​ST. PAUL, Minn. — Millions of Americans are expected to pour into the streets of more than 3,000 cities and towns today, marking the third and potentially largest wave of nationwide demonstrations against the administration of President Donald Trump.

​The grassroots movement, known as “No Kings,” has become the primary vessel for a diverse coalition of citizens, veterans, and labor unions to voice their opposition to what they describe as a “monarchical” style of governance. Today’s mobilization follows two massive rallies in 2025: a June event that drew five million people and an October protest that saw an estimated seven million participants.

​New Catalyst: The War in Iran

​While the movement initially focused on executive overreach and immigration, today’s rallies are fueled by a new, volatile grievance: the ongoing war in Iran. Launched by Trump in coordination with Israel earlier this year, the conflict has seen shifting objectives and rising domestic costs, triggering a surge in anti-war sentiment.

​“Since we last marched, this administration has dragged us deeper into a senseless war,” said Naveed Shah of Common Defense, a veterans association. “At home, we’ve watched citizens killed in the streets by militarized forces… all of it done in the name of one man trying to rule like a king.”

​Ground Zero: Minnesota

​Minnesota has emerged as a focal point for the movement following a violent federal immigration crackdown in January. The state remains shaken by the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, two U.S. citizens fatally shot by federal agents during protests against Operation Metro Surge. 

​In a powerful cultural moment for the movement, legendary rocker Bruce Springsteen is scheduled to perform in St. Paul today. He will debut “Streets of Minneapolis,” a scathing ballad he wrote in memory of Good and Pretti. The song’s lyrics directly challenge the official narrative, accusing federal agents of acting as an “occupier’s boots” in American neighborhoods.

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​A Nationwide Chasm

​With Trump’s approval rating hovering around 40%, organizers note a significant shift in the protest’s demographics. Unlike previous years where dissent was concentrated in urban Democratic hubs, two-thirds of today’s registered participants reside in suburban and rural areas.

​The protests come at a critical juncture, with midterm elections looming in November. Republicans currently hold thin majorities in both chambers, and the “No Kings” coalition hopes to translate today’s visual defiance into a decisive electoral shift.

​“America is at an inflection point,” said Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers. “People are afraid, and they can’t afford basic necessities. It’s time the administration listened rather than stoking hate and fear.”