Saturday saw the greatest number of protests in US history, when more than 8 million people at 3,300 No Kings events took to the streets to oppose the policies of Donald Trump.
In the past few months, the Trump administration has sent more than 3,000 federal immigration agents into Minnesota’s Twin Cities, causing fear and havoc that was only furthered when agents killed two residents. Trump has also launched strikes on Venezuela and waged a war in Iran that has so far cost the US about $30bn to $40bn. That is on top of the US continuing to fund Israel’s war in Gaza; the ongoing immigration raids in other US cities, towns and rural regions; and the threats to trans rights, voting rights and more.
The Guardian spoke with 14 protesters at No Kings events in Chicago, New York City, Washington DC and Saint Paul, Minnesota, to understand what has them fired up and what they plan to do about it.
“I’m nervous and scared, but based on the turnout and support here, it’s inspiring,” said Maya Gomberg, 25, in Chicago. “I have to say, when it really matters, people are coming out and using their voices and positions to their advantage.”
Here is more of what they had to say.