Bernie Sanders backs 'No Kings' rally, slams Trump over ‘authoritarianism, endless wars’

WASHINGTON, DC: Sen. Bernie Sanders has expressed support for the upcoming 'No Kings' rally scheduled for Saturday, March 28. More than 3,200 events are planned across the United States to protest the policies of President Donald Trump.

With the flagship event set for Minneapolis, organizers expect tens of thousands to gather in what could become the largest rally to date, while stressing that all events are intended to remain peaceful.

Bernie Sanders backs protests, slams Trump policies on war and economy

Sanders took to X to voice his support, stating, “Tomorrow, millions of Americans will be joining No Kings rallies. We will be saying NO to authoritarianism. NO to oligarchy. NO to endless wars. NO to the continued attacks against the working class. I look forward to seeing you in St. Paul, MN.”

He has consistently criticized Trump’s policies, particularly the administration’s military actions involving Iran. The operation, jointly launched with Israel on February 28, targeted Iran’s military and political establishment following failed negotiations over its nuclear enrichment programme.

Sanders has repeatedly cautioned against direct military confrontation, arguing that such actions impose significant costs on the American public.

In a previous post, Sanders underscored domestic concerns, writing, “Health care? ‘You’re on your own.’ Housing? ‘Nothing we can do.’ Grocery prices? ‘You’re out of luck.’ $200 billion for another war? ‘No problem!’ Americans—Democrats, Republicans, independents—are SICK AND TIRED of endless wars. We need to invest here at home.”

He also criticised the influence of wealthy individuals in American politics, sharing an infographic detailing spending by affluent families in US presidential elections. “This is what oligarchy looks like. 50 billionaires have spent $433 million to buy the elections in November", Sanders stated.

He continued, "80% is going to candidates who supported a $1 trillion tax break for the top 1% & a $1 trillion cut to Medicaid & the Affordable Care Act. We must end Citizens United.”

Nationwide mobilization builds toward St. Paul flagship event

The main “No Kings” rally will be held at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul, with smaller demonstrations planned across Minnesota. According to organizers, nearly 7 million people attended similar events last fall.

Sarah Parker, a national coordinator with grassroots movement 50501, said, “The people of America are pi*sed” and are driving the movement. Eunic Epstein-Ortiz of the No Kings Coalition added that “almost 50% of No Kings events are in either a red state or a battleground area for this year,” including strongholds such as Texas and Florida.

The coalition organizing the demonstrations includes groups such as 50501, Indivisible, AFT, MoveOn, ACLU, Public Citizen and SEIU. States like Texas, Florida and Ohio each have over 100 scheduled events, while Idaho, Wyoming and Utah report double-digit participation.

Leah Greenberg, co-executive director of Indivisible, noted increasing engagement in suburban areas, stating that voters “are taking to the streets right now and they are furious.”

The St. Paul event is expected to draw at least 100,000 attendees and will feature a lineup of cultural figures and political leaders. Performers and speakers include Bruce Springsteen, Joan Baez, Jane Fonda, Maggie Rogers, Minnesota Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison.

The rally follows Operation Metro Surge, the largest immigration enforcement operation in US history, centered in Minneapolis and St. Paul. The operation led to weeks of protests after federal agents fatally shot Renee Good and Alex Pretti, with law enforcement deploying pepper balls, tear gas and pepper spray.