USA: “No Kings” protests against Trump – Thousands take to the streets

These are scenes that stick with you. From the East Coast to California, people are back on the streets, and this time, the chants are louder, the signs more provocative. The “No Kings” protests against Donald Trump have gained a momentum in recent days that’s caught even seasoned observers of American politics off guard. This isn't just the usual resistance from big cities anymore; things are simmering across the heartland.

I get the sense that something different is brewing here compared to his first term. Back in 2015 and 2017, the demonstrations often felt like spontaneous reactions to surprising decrees. This time, it feels different. There's a structure to it, a sense of historical depth that recalls the great civil rights movements. One name keeps coming up in these circles: historian Ta-Nehisi Coates. His book “We Were Eight Years in Power: An American Tragedy” has almost become like a bible in these circles. It sums up what many fear: that the fight for democracy never really ends, and that the achievements of the past—especially the Obama years—can crumble faster than we'd like to admit.

From a war with Iran to the Constitution: The many faces of the protest

What strikes me most about these protests since 2024 is the sheer range of reasons driving people onto the streets. It’s no longer just about a single hot-button issue; it’s a blend of deep-seated anxiety and raw anger. Talking to folks in Washington, there's a consensus: the protests against Donald Trump this time are serving as a rallying point for anyone who feels American democracy is dangerously off-kilter.

• The concern over separation of powers: Under the “No Kings” banner, it’s no longer just about specific laws. It’s about the fundamental question of whether the US is heading towards an authoritarian path. The judiciary is under attack, and Congress often seems to be relegated to the role of spectator.
• Foreign policy as a flashpoint: The tension over a potential war with Iran isn’t just a matter of international diplomacy. For many here, it’s proof that the executive branch is making decisions with historic consequences without the backing of the people. And that’s frightening.
• Economic uncertainty: Forget the charts and stock market numbers. In states where industry is struggling, and among young people who can no longer afford a home, there's a growing feeling that politics is only working for its own donors.

Think about it: you have people demonstrating against Middle East foreign policy, while right next to them, someone’s holding up a sign quoting the Constitution. All of it under the common belief that democracy isn’t the property of one person. I’ve been to some of these marches myself, and the energy is infectious—but also unsettling.

A movement without a master plan?

The big question, of course, remains: where does this all lead? Some warn of a division that will drive the country even deeper into its trenches. Others see it as the last cry of a civil society before it’s too late. I remember the 2016 protests well, when many thought it was just a passing mood. Now I know: the protests against Donald Trump since 2024 are a different beast altogether. They’re more organised, more interconnected, and—this is the key—they have a narrative backbone.

It’s this mix of historical reflection, like the kind Coates explores in his book, and the current anger over political decisions. On trains heading to Washington, or in coffee shops in Portland, the conversation isn’t just about the latest headline—it’s about how to keep a democracy “repairable.” That’s what makes this movement so powerful, and at the same time, so unpredictable for the Washington establishment.