The third round of “No Kings” demonstrations drew activists across the United States and in cities overseas, targeting President Trump and his administration. Organizers had expected big turnout; Minnesota officials readied for more than 150,000 people at the St. Paul rally on the State Capitol grounds. CBS reporter Cristian Benavides covered events from West Palm Beach, near the president’s residence.
More than 3,000 events were staged nationwide, with solidarity demonstrations reported in Rome, Madrid, Paris and other international cities. Participants described the gatherings as a way to show collective strength, reclaim a functioning democracy and move from feeling powerless to empowered.
Speakers at the rallies criticized the president’s record and rhetoric, citing broken campaign promises such as pledges against new wars and vows to put “America First.” Organizers said the scale of the nationwide and international turnout signaled a broader movement of public opposition to the administration.
The White House pushed back, dismissing the protests as “Trump derangement therapy,” and a spokesman added that, beyond those protesting, only the journalists covering the events seemed to care. Officials also emphasized on social media and in statements that turnout would be limited to demonstrators and the press.
The demonstrations came as the president said he was aiming to reduce U.S. military engagement with Iran. At a Saudi-backed investment conference he chided allies over access through the Strait of Hormuz, a remark that drew laughter, and made a quip about Cuba, saying the island was “next,” even as Cuba struggles with severe shortages following an oil cutoff.
Organizers and participants said the rallies reflected sustained public dissatisfaction, while the administration continued to downplay their significance. The events underscored both the depth of opposition among activists and the widening public debate over the president’s policies and conduct.