Protesters across the U.S. and around the world took part in the third round of “No Kings” rallies targeting President Trump and his administration. Organizers said they expected especially large crowds this time; officials in Minnesota prepared for over 150,000 people at the St. Paul rally outside the State Capitol. CBS’s Cristian Benavides reported from West Palm Beach, Florida, near the president’s home.
Americans gathered at more than 3,000 “No Kings” events nationwide. Demonstrations were also reported in cities abroad, including Rome, Madrid and Paris. At one rally a participant said the protests were meant to show that people “can be strong” and reclaim a functioning democracy, and another described feeling empowered after previously feeling powerless.
Speakers at rallies criticized the president’s record and rhetoric. One marcher cited campaign promises — “He promised no new wars. He promised to be the America‑first president” — to express their disappointment. The White House dismissed the demonstrations as “Trump derangement therapy” and a spokesman later said that, apart from the protesters, only the reporters paid to cover the rallies cared about them.
The protests came as President Trump said he was working to wind down the U.S. conflict with Iran. On Friday he spoke at a Saudi‑backed investment conference and voiced frustration with NATO allies over the Strait of Hormuz, saying, “They have to open it up. They have to open up the Strait of — I mean, Hormuz,” a remark that drew laughter during the event. He also made remarks about Cuba, saying “Cuba’s next, by the way, but pretend I didn’t say that,” as the island faces severe shortages after an oil cutoff.
On Twitter and in statements, the White House maintained that the rallies would draw only protesters and the reporters covering them. Protesters and organizers, by contrast, said the nationwide and international turnout signaled a broader movement of public opposition to the administration.