Demonstrators gathered across the United States on Saturday for the "No Kings" protests, voicing their opposition to President Donald Trump's administration. Events took place in major cities and smaller communities, including several locations in Eastern Iowa. The protests were characterized by signs reading messages like "Nothing is more patriotic than protesting" and "Resist Fascism." Many gatherings resembled festive street parties, featuring marching bands and large banners. This marked the third mass mobilization since Trump returned to the White House, coinciding with a government shutdown that has raised concerns about the balance of power in the U.S. government. Protesters expressed fears that the current administration's actions could lead to authoritarianism. Trump, meanwhile, spent the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. In a recent interview, he dismissed claims that he is acting like a king, stating, "I’m not a king." Protests were reported in prominent locations such as New York City's Times Square, Boston Common, and Chicago's Grant Park, as well as outside state capitols in Tennessee and Indiana. Organizers claimed that over 2,600 rallies were planned nationwide, including multiple events in Eastern Iowa towns like Cedar Rapids and Iowa City. Many participants expressed solidarity and pride in their collective action. In Birmingham, Alabama, over 1,500 people gathered, with some referencing the city's historical significance in the Civil Rights Movement. Jessica Yother, a mother of four, remarked, "It just feels like we’re living in an America that I don’t recognize." In San Francisco, demonstrators formed the phrase "No Kings" with their bodies on Ocean Beach. In Salt Lake City, protesters gathered outside the state capitol, sharing messages of hope following a fatal shooting at a previous protest. Senator Chris Murphy noted that large rallies like these encourage those who have been hesitant to speak out. He stated, "Big rallies like this give confidence to people who have been sitting on the sidelines but are ready to speak up." Prominent Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senator Bernie Sanders, joined the protests, emphasizing the need to protect American values. Sanders declared, "We’re here because we love America," warning that the American experiment is "in danger" under Trump. Republicans, however, criticized the protests, labeling them as "Hate America" rallies. House Speaker Mike Johnson described the demonstrators as "Marxists" and suggested they were responsible for the ongoing government shutdown. In response, protest organizers accused GOP leaders of deflecting attention from the shutdown and the need for government funding. In Riverside County, California, more than a dozen protests were organized under the "No Kings" banner. Organizers emphasized a commitment to nonviolent action, urging participants to avoid confrontations. Protests in Riverside and surrounding areas drew thousands, with no reports of violence or arrests. As the protests unfolded, demonstrators in various locations displayed signs with messages such as "Keep the immigrants, deport the racists" and "Reject fascism." The events showcased a diverse coalition of individuals united in their opposition to the current administration's policies. Overall, the "No Kings" protests highlighted a growing movement against Trump, with participants expressing their desire for change and a commitment to democratic values.