Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Mar 29: Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets across the United States on Saturday as part of the third round of the “No Kings” protests, targeting policies of President Donald Trump, with organisers predicting one of the largest non-violent mobilisations in American history.

Protests were held in more than 3,200 locations across all 50 states and several countries, with the flagship rally taking place in St. Paul. Organisers claimed millions were expected to participate globally.

The demonstrations were driven by concerns over the administration’s handling of the Iran conflict, rising fuel and grocery prices, and a sweeping immigration crackdown.

The choice of St. Paul as the central venue carried symbolic weight. The city has remained tense since a January immigration enforcement operation that led to the deaths of two Americans, sparking widespread criticism over the methods used.

Addressing a large gathering, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz strongly criticised the federal immigration actions, saying residents “will never forget” the incident and praising the community for standing up for justice and compassion.

The rally also saw an appearance by Bruce Springsteen, a vocal critic of the Trump administration, who performed and highlighted issues surrounding the enforcement operation through his music.

Organisers from groups such as American Civil Liberties Union, Public Citizen, and MoveOn said participation levels were expected to surpass earlier protests. Over seven million people had reportedly joined similar demonstrations during an earlier “No Kings” day of action in October.

Leaders emphasised that the movement was non-partisan and focused on democratic values. They also noted that more than half of the registered protest events were held in Republican-leaning or battleground regions, reflecting broader public engagement.

Despite concerns over potential confrontations, organisers reiterated their commitment to peaceful protest. “We are not going to be intimidated,” a senior official from the ACLU said, urging demonstrators to remain calm and aware of their rights.

Responding to the protests, the White House dismissed the movement, with spokesperson Abigail Jackson stating that the demonstrations were being amplified mainly by media attention.

The protests mark a continued wave of public dissent, underscoring deep political divisions and growing scrutiny of the administration’s domestic and foreign policies.