Mass protests erupted across the United States and parts of Europe on Saturday as millions participated in the “No Kings” rallies, voicing opposition to the Iran war and the policies of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Demonstrations stretched from major urban centers like New York City to small towns such as Driggs, reflecting a broad geographic and political spread of dissent.
Minnesota emerged as a focal point of the protests, with thousands gathering at the State Capitol in St. Paul. Crowds filled the Capitol lawn and surrounding streets, with some displaying upside-down U.S. flags as a symbol of distress. Organisers had anticipated massive turnout nationwide, estimating participation could reach up to 9 million people across more than 3,100 registered events in all 50 states.
The rally in Minnesota featured a performance by Bruce Springsteen, who debuted his song “Streets of Minneapolis.” The track was written in response to the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents and served as a tribute to the protests against aggressive immigration enforcement. Addressing the crowd, Springsteen expressed hope, praising the resilience of protesters and condemning what he described as authoritarian tendencies.
Across the U.S., demonstrations took varied and creative forms. In Topeka, protesters staged satirical acts, including impersonations of a “frog king” and caricatures of Trump. In Washington D.C., hundreds marched from the Lincoln Memorial to the National Mall, chanting slogans such as “No kings” and “Regime change begins at home.” Meanwhile, around 40,000 people joined a major rally in San Diego, according to local police.
Organisers noted that earlier rounds of the “No Kings” movement had already drawn millions, indicating a growing wave of public mobilisation. However, the protests also faced sharp criticism from officials. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson dismissed them as being driven by “leftist funding networks,” while the National Republican Congressional Committee labelled the rallies as extreme and unrepresentative.
Internationally, the protests extended to cities across Europe. In Rome, thousands marched against war and government policies under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Demonstrations were also held in London and Paris, where protesters called for an end to war and opposed far-right politics.
The widespread demonstrations underscore rising global concern over escalating conflict with Iran and domestic political tensions, signaling a significant moment of coordinated international dissent.
