Thousands of people across Lancaster and Reading joined a nationwide wave of "No Kings" protests on Saturday (March 28), rallying against what organizers call authoritarian actions by the Trump administration.
The demonstrations were part of a coordinated, nationwide mobilization organized by the No Kings Coalition, a broad alliance of civil rights, labor, faith, and advocacy groups. Organizers say roughly eight million Americans took part in protests across the country, carrying signs and posters accusing President Trump of abusing power and overstepping his authority.
The protests come as President Trump's approval rating has fallen to 36 percent and gas prices continue to rise, adding economic frustration to the political energy driving demonstrators into the streets.
The No Kings Coalition said the events were rooted in a commitment to nonviolent action. Organizers trained participants in de-escalation and coordinated with local partners ahead of the demonstrations.
The coalition cited a series of recent confrontations with federal immigration enforcement — including deaths in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and enforcement actions in Minnesota — as key reasons for the renewed push to mobilize.
"The Trump regime is doubling down on fear and force to intimidate communities and silence dissent," said Ezra Levin, Co-Executive Director of Indivisible. "No Kings is not just a slogan or a single day of action. It's a principle we carry every day as we stand in solidarity with communities being harmed and confront authoritarianism wherever it shows up."
Deirdre Schifeling, Chief Political and Advocacy Officer for the American Civil Liberties Union, also weighed in. "Peaceful, people-led movements have always led the way for real change," she said. "We are at a dangerous moment for our democracy — it's time to come together again and fight to stay free."
Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), pointed to economic concerns alongside civil liberties issues. "Our communities are hurting. People are afraid, and they can't afford basic necessities. It's time for the federal government to listen to the people," she said.
Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, was direct in her assessment. "He is not and never will be a king," Robinson said of President Donald Trump. "The power of the people will not be denied."
Looking ahead, the No Kings Coalition has scheduled a national mass call for Tuesday (March 31) at 8 p.m. ET, where movement leaders and local activists plan to discuss next steps following Saturday's demonstrations.