WASHINGTON, Oct 19: The BBC reports that tens of thousands of people marched across major U.S. cities, including New York, Washington, DC, Chicago, Miami, and Los Angeles, to protest President Donald Trump’s recent policies and growing executive reach.
In New York, the BBC correspondents said Times Square was packed with chanting crowds carrying signs like *“Democracy Not Monarchy”* and *“The Constitution Is Not Optional.”* Police estimated more than 100,000 people participated across the city, and no arrests were made. Organizers described the “No Kings” events as peaceful and grounded in non-violence, a principle stated on the movement’s website.
The BBC noted that protesters in Times Square chanted “This is what democracy looks like” while drums and cowbells echoed through the streets. One marcher, writer Beth Zasloff, told the BBC she joined because she feels the U.S. is “sliding toward authoritarianism.” She said seeing so many others stand up “gave her hope.”
'No Kings' rallies across US to gauge anti-Trump outrage
Since returning to the office in January, Trump has used executive orders to expand presidential control, weaken parts of the federal government, and deploy National Guard troops to several cities over objections from state governors. Critics quoted by the BBC warned that such actions could undermine constitutional checks and balances.
Some protesters drew parallels between Trump’s approach and Europe’s past. Massimo Mascoli, a 68-year-old Italian-American from New Jersey, told the BBC his grandfather fought against Mussolini’s regime. “After 80 years, I didn’t expect to find fascism again in the U.S.,” he said, voicing concern over cuts to healthcare and immigration crackdowns.
Political figures also joined in. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer told the BBC at the New York rally, “We have no kings in America, and we won’t let Trump erode democracy.” In Washington DC, Senator Bernie Sanders addressed the crowd, saying, “We’re here because we love America.”
The BBC reported that protests also took place outside the U.S., including London, Madrid, Rome, Berlin, and Toronto, where demonstrators carried signs reading *“Hands Off Canada.”*
Ahead of the rallies, several Republican governors placed National Guard troops on alert, claiming possible links between organizers and the far-left Antifa movement. Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s activation of the Guard was criticized by Democrats as “something kings and dictators do,” the BBC said.
Trump, speaking to Fox News, appeared to dismiss the protests, saying, “They’re calling me a king, but I’m not a king.”
The BBC analysis noted that the demonstrations reflect growing polarization in the U.S. A Reuters/Ipsos poll cited by the broadcaster found Trump’s approval rating at 40 percent, with 58 percent disapproving—numbers similar to his first term but below his initial second-term support in January.
The BBC concluded that while Trump’s supporters praise his “strong leadership,” the weekend’s “No Kings” rallies underline deep public unease about the direction of American democracy.
