White House blasts ‘No Kings’ protests as ‘Trump Derangement Therapy’
WASHINGTON, DC: The White House has downplayed a wave of 'No Kings' protests held across the United States on Saturday, March 28, dismissing them as “Trump Derangement Therapy Sessions.” Organizers projected millions of participants amid heightened political tensions and ongoing US military engagement abroad.
More than 3,200 events were scheduled nationwide, including a flagship rally in St. Paul. Although there were isolated clashes with authorities, the demonstrations were largely described as peaceful across cities, suburbs, and rural communities.
Trump White House dismisses ‘No Kings’ protests as millions rally nationwide
Spokesperson Abigail Jackson told Newsweek, “The only people who care about these Trump Derangement Therapy Sessions are the reporters who are paid to cover them,” and reiterated to Fox News Digital that the demonstrations were largely insignificant.
According to The Associated Press, the administration also claimed the protests were backed by “leftist funding networks." President Donald Trump rejected the characterization of the protests, telling reporters aboard Air Force One, “I’m not a king. I work my a** off to make our country great. That’s all it is.”
The National Republican Congressional Committee echoed the criticism, with spokesperson Maureen O’Toole stating, “These Hate America Rallies are where the far-left’s most violent, deranged fantasies get a microphone.”
The coalition organizing the demonstrations included groups such as 50501, Indivisible, AFT, MoveOn, ACLU, Public Citizen, and SEIU. Organizers estimated turnout could reach 9 million participants, following earlier mobilizations that drew more than 5 million in June and 7 million in October.
Demonstrations were reported across Republican-leaning states as well, including Texas, Florida, and Ohio, each hosting over 100 events, while Idaho, Wyoming, and Utah recorded dozens. Some of the most remote protests took place in Kotzebue and Seward in Alaska, as well as East Glacier Park, Montana.
Clashes and performances mark ‘No Kings’ protests across US cities
While most protests remained peaceful, authorities reported isolated incidents. In Los Angeles, federal agents deployed tear gas after demonstrators allegedly threw concrete blocks, bottles, and other objects near a federal detention center.
The Los Angeles Police Department issued a tactical alert, followed by a dispersal order at approximately 5:30 PM, giving protesters 15 minutes to leave before arrests were made. Several individuals were later detained for failing to disperse.
Minnesota emerged as a focal point following incidents involving federal agents fatally shooting Renee Good and Alex Pretti during an immigration enforcement operation.
At the St. Paul rally, Bruce Springsteen headlined the event, performing “Streets of Minneapolis,” a song written in response to the deaths. He told the crowd, “Your strength and your commitment told us that this was still America,” while criticizing what he described as “invasions of American cities.”
Activist groups also signaled a broader shift in focus. A representative from the Sunrise Movement said at a New York City rally that the organization is expanding beyond climate advocacy to target Immigration and Customs Enforcement, arguing that “it is kind of hard to pass climate policy in a crumbling democracy.”
The protests coincided with US and Israeli military operations against Iran under 'Operation Epic Fury.' The movement’s website accuses the administration of prioritizing overseas military spending while increasing domestic living costs and benefiting wealthy allies. Activist groups have also expanded their focus.
