Content: WASHINGTON — Demonstrators gathered Saturday in Washington, D.C., and across the United States for the "No Kings" protests, aimed at opposing President Donald Trump's leadership. The Republican Party has labeled these events as "Hate America" rallies. This marks the third major mobilization since Trump returned to the White House, coinciding with a government shutdown that has halted federal services and raised concerns about the balance of power between the executive branch and Congress.

Trump is currently at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. In a Fox News interview aired Friday, he responded to the protests, stating, "They say they’re referring to me as a king. I’m not a king." He was preparing to attend a fundraiser for his MAGA Inc. super PAC, where tickets were priced at $1 million each.

More than 2,600 rallies were scheduled nationwide, organized by a coalition of groups. Organizers claim this protest is fostering a more unified opposition to Trump compared to earlier demonstrations this year, which included protests against Elon Musk's layoffs and a military parade.

Key Democratic figures, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Independent Senator Bernie Sanders, are participating in the protests. They view these events as a response to Trump's policies, which they argue threaten free speech and civil liberties. Ezra Levin, a co-founder of Indivisible, emphasized the importance of public action, stating, "There is no greater threat to an authoritarian regime than patriotic people-power."

While Republicans have dismissed the protests as radical, Levin noted that participation is increasing. Rallies were also held in major European cities, where American expatriates joined in solidarity.

Retired doctor Terence McCormally expressed his concerns about the protests, stating he hopes for peace but is wary of police presence due to the recent deployment of the National Guard. He criticized those he sees as exploiting the country for personal gain, saying, "I really don’t like the crooks and conmen and religious zealots who are trying to use the country for personal gain, while they are killing and hurting millions of people with bombs."

Republicans have characterized the protesters as extreme and have linked the ongoing government shutdown, now in its 18th day, to the demonstrations. GOP leaders have referred to the rallies as gatherings of "communists" and "Marxists," suggesting that Democratic leaders are catering to far-left elements.

House Speaker Mike Johnson remarked, "I encourage you to watch — we call it the Hate America rally — that will happen Saturday. Let’s see who shows up for that," implying that radical groups would be present.

In contrast, Sanders described the protests as a "love America rally," asserting that participants believe in the Constitution and American freedoms. He warned against allowing Trump to transform the nation into an authoritarian state.

Democrats have resisted voting on measures to reopen the government, demanding funding for healthcare instead. Republicans have indicated they will discuss the issue only after the government reopens. For many Democrats, the shutdown serves as a means to challenge Trump and restore the presidency's role as a co-equal branch of government.

The current political climate marks a shift from six months ago when Democrats were fragmented and uncertain about how to respond to Trump's presidency. Levin noted, "What we are seeing from the Democrats is some spine. The worst thing the Democrats could do right now is surrender."

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries expressed uncertainty about attending the protests but criticized the Republican portrayal of the events. He stated, "What’s hateful is what happened on January 6th," referencing the Capitol attack by Trump supporters. He added, "What you’ll see this weekend is what patriotism looks like."