Thousands flooded streets across the U.S. this weekend for 'No Kings' rallies, a nationwide movement challenging what protesters call President Trump's 'authoritarian overreach' and economic policies. From New York to Portland, crowds waved signs reading 'Defend Democracy' and chanted slogans against militarized immigration crackdowns and inflation blamed on tariffs. 🗽⚖️
Organizers reported over 2,600 events in cities and suburbs, with the NYPD confirming 100,000+ peaceful demonstrators in NYC alone—zero arrests. Veterans, Statue of Liberty cosplayers, and lifelong Republicans joined forces, signaling a rare cross-generational pushback. 🚨✌️
'I served in Iraq, but I don’t recognize this America,' said Marine vet Daniel Aboyte Gamez in Houston, where 5,000 gathered. Lifelong Republican Kevin Brice, 70, added: 'Everything I stood for in the military feels at risk.'
Denver's Kelly Kinsella, dressed as Lady Liberty, summed up the mood: 'We’re stressed. Inflation’s back, and it’s hitting hard.' Protesters linked economic pain to Trump’s trade wars while condemning his use of National Guard troops in cities. 📉💔
Though tensions simmer, the day stayed peaceful—a testament, say activists, to grassroots unity in turbulent times. 🌈✊
