Millions of demonstrators across the US and globally participated in the second 'No Kings' protests, marking the largest single-day demonstration against a sitting president in modern history, condemning President Trump's 'authoritarian power grabs' while he responded with mockery and an AI-generated video depicting himself as 'KING TRUMP' bombing protesters.
Nearly 7 million people nationwide, joined by global cities, turned out for the second 'No Kings' protests against President Donald Trump and his administration, making it the largest single-day demonstration against a sitting president in modern history. These protests, which occurred in over 2,500 cities and towns across all 50 states, were organized by a coalition of civil rights and advocacy groups, including Indivisible, to oppose what they termed Trump’s 'authoritarian power grabs' as a government shutdown approached its third week. The president responded by denying he was a 'king' and later posted an AI-generated video on Truth Social depicting himself as 'KING TRUMP' flying a jet and bombing protesters with brown liquid. Republican officials and congressional allies, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, dismissed the demonstrations as 'Hate America rallies,' blamed Antifa, or offered mockery, such as Rep. Tim Burchett's Burger King-themed video. The protests themselves were described as having a 'festival atmosphere,' featuring diverse participants, creative signs, costumes (including 'antifa frogs'), and speakers like Bernie Sanders at the Washington D.C. rally, which saw tens of thousands gather. Despite some police observation, no significant violence erupted. Notably, former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio was observed livestreaming from the Miami protest. The widespread turnout followed a previous 'No Kings' protest in June with over 5 million attendees, and a poll indicated more half of Americans believe Trump desires to be king. The events also inspired parodies on Saturday Night Live.
