No Kings: Millions Rise Worldwide for Democracy
The New Echo of Democracy — The Expansion of ‘No Kings’: The voice of democracy has never been louder across the world. What began as a protest called ‘No Kings’ in the United States against President Donald Trump’s policies has now taken a global form. The movement, which started as a domestic campaign, has spread to Europe — particularly to the streets of London and Madrid — where demonstrations have gained massive momentum. On Saturday, millions of people joined rallies, sending a powerful message in defence of democratic values.
Reports suggest that more than 7 million people participated in demonstrations across nearly 2,600 cities and towns in the U.S. Peaceful marches were held in Washington D.C., New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Texas, Miami, and Boston. Compared to the first major ‘No Kings’ protest held last June, this turnout has doubled. The movement has now grown beyond borders, emerging as a global call for the protection of democracy.
Presidential Policies at the Centre of Protest
At the heart of these demonstrations lie President Trump’s recent policies — particularly those concerning immigration, education, and civil liberties. Several organisations have accused the Trump administration of adopting a harsh stance on immigration, allegedly ignoring the humanitarian dimension of the issue. Over the past ten months, thousands of immigrants in the U.S. have been targeted by enforcement actions, border controls have been tightened, and citizenship procedures made more complex.
In the field of education too, the administration’s threats and cuts to university funding have triggered anger among students and academics nationwide. Critics argue that policies aimed at silencing social and political dissent pose a serious threat to the future of democracy. Many fear that if the government continues down this path, the U.S. could lose its identity as a nation built on freedom and inclusivity.
Unity Among Organisations and Civil Groups
The movement is not just a gathering of protesters on the streets but a collective voice of hundreds of organisations. More than 300 social, civic, and human rights groups have openly endorsed the ‘No Kings’ campaign. These include the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), MoveOn, Indivisible, Common Defense, and the Human Rights Campaign.
The ACLU has trained thousands of volunteers nationwide to provide legal assistance and maintain calm during demonstrations. “Legal Aid Stations” were set up in New York and Washington to offer immediate support to those detained or facing legal action during protests.
‘No Kings’ Storms Social Media
The movement’s impact has been equally powerful in the digital world. On platforms such as Twitter (X), Instagram, TikTok, and Reddit, the hashtag #NoKings continued to trend globally. Within a week, posts using the hashtag crossed 200 million views, making it the largest political digital campaign of 2025.
Young people, in particular, have taken charge online — spreading the message through videos, posters, and reels. On university campuses, students organised “digital sit-ins”, hosting virtual discussions and live sessions on democracy and freedom of expression.
This form of digital activism shows that the fight for democracy is no longer confined to the streets — it is now being waged across virtual spaces, with the new generation taking a more active and determined role than ever before.
Support from Political Leaders and Public Figures
The ‘No Kings’ movement has received support from several prominent figures in American politics. Senator Bernie Sanders, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have all publicly backed the campaign. Speaking at a rally, Clinton said, “This movement is not just against one person, but against the mindset that weakens democracy.”
Hollywood celebrities and artists have also lent their voices to the cause. Actors Robert De Niro, Mark Ruffalo, and Emma Stone shared messages on social media criticising Trump’s “monarchical tendencies.” De Niro stated, “America belongs to its people, not to a king — and if that truth needs to be repeated, we’ll keep repeating it.”
President Trump’s Response and Administrative Stand
Reacting to the massive protests, President Trump dismissed the campaign as “anti-American propaganda.” Speaking to the media, he asserted that he is “not a king but a servant of the people,” while accusing opposition parties of orchestrating the rallies for political gain. Some Republican governors authorised the deployment of the National Guard to maintain law and order during the demonstrations.
However, statements from the White House maintained that the administration respects the right to peaceful protest, provided public safety is not compromised. Despite these assurances, global media analysts believe that the ‘No Kings’ movement marks the most significant wave of public discontent during Trump’s second term in office.
The Global Impact of the Movement
The movement has now transcended American borders. Parallel rallies have been organised in Europe, Australia, and Canada. Thousands of people marched through London, Paris, Berlin, Madrid, and Sydney holding placards that read, “Democracy Belongs to No King.” European youth, in particular, have expressed solidarity with American civil society, viewing this campaign as a global alliance for the protection of democracy.
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