This weekend's No Kings demonstrations drew an estimated crowd of millions across the U.S. to protest President Donald Trump's policies and his willingness to push the boundaries of presidential authority.
It was a moment for likeminded Democrats, liberals, and some anti-Trump Republicans to rally together at a time when the American left has little formal power in national politics.
But where do they go from here?
By most accounts, the turnout at Saturday's events in major U.S. cities like Chicago, New York, Washington, and Los Angeles, along with hundreds of smaller towns, surpassed the expectations and outstripped attendance at the first No Kings rally in June.
Despite warnings from congressional Republicans about the protests being anti-American, the massive rallies were peaceful—colorful and festive rather than destructive. New York City reported no protest-related arrests, and the event in Washington, D.C. featured families and children.
Today all across America in numbers that may eclipse any day of protest in our nation's history, Americans are saying loudly and proudly that we are a free people, we are not a people that can be ruled, our government is not for sale, Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut stated at the Washington, D.C. rally.
However, the White House dismissed the demonstrations. Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson expressed indifference in response to media inquiries about the marches.
While Republicans may downplay the significance of the protests, the overwhelming turnout hints at a chance for Democrats to rebound from last year's electoral setbacks.
Nonetheless, challenges remain; polls suggest only about a third of Americans view the Democratic Party favorably - the lowest in decades - and the party is internally divided on how to effectively oppose Trump without control over either chamber of Congress.
Protesters voiced grievances over Trump’s immigration policies, tariffs, government cuts, and norm-breaking presidential conduct, reflecting deep frustration, not just toward the administration but also with Democratic leaders' lack of response.
The ongoing government shutdown adds further complexity to the Democrats' situation, as they insist on bipartisan negotiations regarding health insurance subsidies that are due to expire. The risks of prolonged government shutdown are tangible, with many federal workers already struggling financially.
The outcome of the upcoming elections could significantly affect the political landscape, as anti-Trump sentiments need to transform into concrete electoral support. With increasingly competitive races in Virginia, New Jersey, and other battlegrounds, the coming weeks will be critical for both the party and its supporters.
The goal remains clear: unify around the message of opposing Trump and translate that into political power.
