At 'No Kings' rallies, anti-Trump protesters speak out against ICE 'cruelty,' Iran war

The 'No Kings' protests saw a significant turnout on March 28, 2026, with organizers anticipating the largest demonstration in U.S. history. The movement, a progressive coalition of activists, organized over 3,000 events nationwide and abroad to protest against President Trump's policies. Key grievances cited by demonstrators included the administration's immigration enforcement tactics, which some described as "cruel," and the U.S. war in Iran, deemed a "useless, vain war" by one participant. Protesters expressed concerns about potential ground troop deployment in Iran and the fear and uncertainty faced by immigrant communities. The White House dismissed the protests as "Trump Derangement Therapy Sessions." This marked the third series of nationwide protests organized by the group, which views Trump's actions as monarchical rather than democratic. Participants, including older Americans and members of minority groups, voiced outrage over perceived authoritarianism and a lack of civic engagement. Some attendees compared Trump's politics to fascism, emphasizing the importance of community and collective action in combating social isolation and asserting power. The protests aimed to inspire continued peaceful demonstration beyond large-scale events, highlighting a perceived crisis stemming from a lack of consistent civic participation.