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By Emma Marsden
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The White House has downplayed a wave of “No Kings” protests set to take place across the United States on Saturday, dismissing the demonstrations as “Trump Derangement Therapy Sessions.” The protests, which organizers say could draw millions, come amid ongoing political tensions and U.S. military action abroad.
Newsweek contacted the White House via email for comment on Saturday.
Why It Matters
The scale of the planned protests could make them one of the largest coordinated demonstrations in U.S. history. They reflect growing political divisions and public reaction to the Trump administration’s policies, including foreign military engagement and domestic economic concerns.
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The White House response also highlights how the administration is framing opposition movements.
What to Know
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson previously told Newsweek: "The only people who care about these Trump Derangement Therapy Sessions are the reporters who are paid to cover them."
Jackson said the protests are largely insignificant, telling Fox News Digital that only reporters covering the events are paying attention. The Associated Press reported that the administration also claimed the demonstrations are supported by “leftist funding networks.”
As previously reported by Newsweek, the decentralized “No Kings” movement has organized more than 3,100 events across all 50 states for Saturday, March 28, 2026, with over 9 million people expected to participate. A flagship rally is planned at Minnesota's capitol in St. Paul.
The movement first gained national attention during “No Kings Day” in June 2025 and has continued to grow since. At its core, the movement is drawing on the country’s founding principle that no leader should have unchecked power. By using the phrase “No Kings,” organizers are signaling opposition to what they view as overly powerful or unaccountable government leadership.
The protests are taking place as the U.S. military and Israel is engaged in conflict with Iran under Operation Epic Fury. On its website, the movement accuses the Trump administration of spending billions on military action overseas while increasing living costs domestically and benefiting wealthy allies. Minnesota has become a focal point for the demonstrations following incidents in which federal agents fatally shot two individuals monitoring immigration enforcement.
Organizers of the “No Kings” movement say the demonstrations are a response to what they view as government overreach and misplaced priorities, particularly regarding military spending and economic inequality.
President Trump previously dismissed the protests, calling them “a joke.”
What People Are Saying
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said, as reported by Fox News: “I’m not a king. I work my a-- off to make our country great. That’s all it is. I’m not a king at all.”
Leah Greenberg, co-founder of Indivisible, the group that started the No Kings movement, as reported by Reuters: "The defining story of this Saturday's mobilization is not just how many people are protesting, but where they are protesting."
Indivisible co-founder Ezra Levin said, as reported by the Associated Press: “We’re going to be everywhere."
What Happens Next
Protests are set to take place nationwide on Saturday, with the largest gathering expected in St. Paul. Musician Bruce Springsteen is scheduled to perform at the flagship event, debuting a song written in response to recent events in Minnesota. His Land of Hope & Dreams American Tour will launch shortly after in Minneapolis.
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