Trump jokes about being called a ‘king,’ says ‘I can’t get a ballroom approved’

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump brushed off comparisons labeling him a “king” with a mix of humor and sarcasm, saying that if he truly held such power, things would look very different.

His remarks come at a time when “No Kings” protests are gaining traction across the United States, with demonstrators pushing back against what they describe as expanding executive authority.

Trump uses humor to dismiss ‘king’ narrative

While addressing the nation on Wednesday, April 1, Trump appeared amused by the label, even as critics continue to use it in protest messaging.

“They call me king now, do you believe it? No king. I'm such a king, I can't get a ballroom approved! Pretty amazing, right?” Trump said, poking fun at the idea.

Trump leaned into the criticism rather than directly pushing back, using the moment to highlight what he described as limitations he still faces.

“If i was a king, we'd be doing a lot more. i'm doing a lot, but i could be doing a lot more if i was a king!” he added.

‘No Kings’ protests grow across the United States

The protests, now in their third round, have expanded significantly in recent weeks. What began as largely peaceful demonstrations has grown into a nationwide movement, with both large-scale rallies and smaller gatherings taking place at the same time.

On March 28, 2026, one such rally outside Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes drew attention as tensions briefly flared. Protesters lined Palos Verdes Drive South, holding signs and chanting, while passing drivers showed support by honking.

While most of the event remained peaceful, there was a brief moment of confrontation when a protester got into a face-to-face shouting match with a counter-protester. Despite that, the overall tone of the demonstrations has remained energetic rather than chaotic.

Across Southern California and beyond, the protests have taken on a mix of political expression and public gathering. People marched through streets, gathered in open spaces, and turned the events into a blend of protest and community activity.

Nationwide participation reflects growing movement

Major demonstrations have been reported in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, while smaller rallies have taken place in suburbs and towns across both conservative and liberal regions.

Participants have brought a mix of creativity and energy to the protests, with crowds singing, dancing, and holding signs throughout the day. Some events have also featured performances and speeches, adding to the atmosphere.

In Minnesota, one notable moment included a performance by Bruce Springsteen alongside remarks from public figures, drawing additional attention to the movement.

Jessica Tarlov also weighed in on the protests, pointing to their rapid growth as a sign of shifting political momentum.

“Republicans can mock the No Kings protests all they want, but the reality is it just grew from 6 million to 8 million people in a few months,” she said.

She emphasized how widespread the demonstrations have become, noting that they are not limited to major urban centers.

“3,300 rallies in all 50 states, many in suburbs and small towns,” she added.