Millions join ‘No Kings’ protests against Trump across the United States | In pics

Minnesota Flashpoint: Minnesota became a major focus because of Trump’s immigration crackdown and earlier federal raids in Minneapolis. A large rally took place outside the state capitol in Saint Paul, where many demonstrators carried posters of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, US citizens who were fatally shot by federal immigration officers in Minneapolis earlier this year.

Leaders, Speakers: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz told protesters their resistance made them “the heart and soul” of everything good about the United States. He said, “They call us radicals. You’re damn right we’ve been radicalised – radicalised by compassion, radicalised by decency, radicalised by due process, radicalised by democracy, and radicalised to do all we can to oppose authoritarianism.”

Music, Politics: Senator Bernie Sanders spoke at the Minnesota rally, and musician Bruce Springsteen performed his song “Streets of Minneapolis,” written after the deaths of Good and Pretti and criticising Trump’s immigration crackdown. Sanders told the crowd, “We will not allow this country to descend into authoritarianism or oligarchy in America. We, the people, will rule.”

Republican Reaction: Republican officials strongly criticised the protests. The National Republican Congressional Committee said, “These Hate America Rallies are where the far-left’s most violent, deranged fantasies get a microphone.” White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said the protests were the product of “leftist funding networks” and claimed they had little real public support.

New York March: In New York City, police estimated tens of thousands of people marched through midtown Manhattan for more than 10 blocks. Actor Robert De Niro said no president before Trump had posed “such an existential threat to our freedoms and security.” Protester Holly Bemiss said, “We fought against having kings, and we fought for freedom. We’re just doing it again.”

Clashes, Arrests: Some protests involved clashes and arrests. In Dallas, counterprotesters blocked streets and police made several arrests after minor scuffles. In Los Angeles, authorities deployed tear gas near federal facilities and arrested demonstrators who failed to disperse. Federal officials said two officers were injured by cement blocks during an incident near a federal building.

Election Context: The protests took place ahead of November’s midterm elections that will determine control of Congress. Organisers reported increased participation in Republican-leaning states such as Idaho, Wyoming, Montana and Utah, and in competitive suburban areas. A Reuters/Ipsos poll showed Trump’s approval rating had fallen to 36%, the lowest since his return to the White House.

Global Demonstrations: “No Kings” demonstrations also took place outside the United States, including protests in Rome, London and Paris. Organisers said the rallies were partly a response to the war in Iran and domestic policies. Protester Morgan Taylor said about the conflict, “Nobody’s attacking us. We don’t need to be there.”