That's what it's about

• There were nationwide protests against President Donald Trump in the USA.
• Around seven million people took part in the demonstrations.
• They reject Trump's policies and see him as king.
• Saturday's protests were largely peaceful.

From New York to Texas: In the USA, there have been renewed mass protests against President Donald Trump and his policies. Demonstrations took place across the country under the slogan"No Kings." Organizers reported nearly seven million participants in more than 2,700 cities and towns on Saturday evening (local time)—around two million more than at the most recent mass protest in June. The movement accuses Trump of authoritarian behavior. The president believes his power is absolute, according to its website."But in America, we have no kings."

According to media reports, the protests remained peaceful until the evening. CNN reported an incident in South Carolina in which a woman allegedly drove past a protest with a gun drawn; she was subsequently arrested.

Trump himself told Fox News: "They call me a king. I am not a king." He has repeatedly accused demonstrators of being prepared to use violence. Opponents, however, accuse the Republican president of deliberately fueling escalation and seeking to normalize the use of the military against dissidents.

This is how the protests unfolded in the regions:

new York

In New York City, protests took place in several locations; according to police, more than 100,000 people participated peacefully. A protest marshal in Times Square said the crowd filled the street southward to Union Square—a stretch of several kilometers.

Participants expressed concern about the state of US democracy."We are at a tipping point toward fascism," said a young woman named Meg. 93-year-old Stephanie explained that she had protested against the Vietnam War and had seen many presidents, but this one is so bad that we have to do something. Artist Michael said that those in power in the US – white men – are deliberately pitting people of different backgrounds, races, and sexualities against each other to maintain their own political power.

In New York, as elsewhere, colorful inflatable costumes were striking."I want to refute the narrative that we are dangerous or violent," said Michelle, who was dressed as a rabbit."We are defending our country with joy."

Pennsylvania

In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, thousands of people gathered in the city center. Participants sang the song"Won't You Be My Neighbor?" by Fred Rogers—famously known from a children's show produced in Pittsburgh that shaped generations. With this gesture, they wanted to send a message of solidarity and community, and against fear and violence—particularly with regard to the rights of immigrants, it was said. US flags flew above the crowd, and many of the demonstrators were dressed as royalty, while the organizers declared:"Nothing is more patriotic than peaceful dissent."

The focus in Pittsburgh was on two issues: a failed initiative to tighten gun laws in September and the upcoming municipal election in early November. While the city itself is considered a Democratic stronghold, many surrounding districts are firmly in Republican hands.

Washington and Maryland

In the US capital, Washington, where thousands took to the streets, many federal employees are currently on furlough due to the partial government shutdown or have already been laid off as part of cuts. CNN quoted one protester as saying he has worked in the civil service for 20 years – and the Trump administration is about to destroy it.

Numerous demonstrators also gathered in the capital's affluent suburbs. In Bethesda, Maryland, they stood along Connecticut Avenue with signs, pennants, and posters. Drivers honked in approval. A woman in a rooster costume held a sign reading"We don't need royal decrees"—presumably a reference to the numerous executive orders Trump is using to enforce his policies.

Massachusetts

In Boston, Massachusetts, numerous people gathered in central Boston Common Park. Signs read:"No to autocracy, yes to democracy, or hands off our neighbors." From a stage, someone shouted,"Fight back! No Kings," to which the crowd chanted,"No Kings."

California

At a major intersection in the small California town of Truckee, the protest of several thousand people was colorful and peaceful—and accompanied by loud honking. In Tahoe City, a little further south, demonstrator Glenna said of Trump that she was tired of being insulted:"He dehumanizes us and labels us as un-American," she added."We must protect immigrants. Without them, nothing would work in a tourist area like Lake Tahoe."

Florida and Texas

In Sarasota, Florida, Jackie was one of numerous protesters. The 33-year-old participated with her two young children and described the atmosphere on the phone as very positive. She wanted to teach her daughter and son that protests are a normal part of American life. Among other things, she advocates for the protection of public health, she said—she works in this field and is concerned about the abolition of mandatory vaccinations in schools in her state.