A recap of the mass anti-Trump protests : NPR

One of the biggest days of protest against the Trump administration's policies took place on Saturday in cities across the United States. A major theme of the marches was the accusation that President Trump was acting more like a monarch than an elected official.

This marked second massive wave of protests organized by No Kings, a network of progressive organizations fighting the Trump agenda.

Organizers said there were about 2,600 No Kings events planned in nearly every state, and that they were projecting a larger turnout than the 5 million people they said attended the previous nationwide event in June.

Encouraged by the many actions taken by the administration following the summer protests, the group cited widespread immigration detentions conducted by often masked Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, the administration's aggressive offensive against federal educational resources And environmental protection, fraud and other problems.

Here's a quick look at how the protests unfolded.

1. United in protests to “defend America”

Protesters opposed a wide range of issues, including the administration's immigration tactics and its push for federal and military intervention in Democratic-led states as a way to fight crime. The diversity of issues was united by a broader message of democracy, constitutional rights and freedom on which the United States was founded.

In Washington, D.C., demonstrators filled Pennsylvania Avenue near the U.S. Capitol, many holding signs reading “No kings, no tyrants.” Many people wore yellow, which organizers said was meant to show unity.

Uriah Kitchen of Delaware, who attended the protest with his son Elijah, told NPR that “we took the Pledge of Allegiance when we were in school, and that's what it's all about.”

“That’s why we’re here: We’re here to protect America,” Kitchen said.

Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, addressed protesters in Washington in remarks criticizing tech billionaires, who he said have become richer and more powerful since Trump became president. Sanders singled out Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg “and other multi-billionaires who sat right behind Trump when he was inaugurated.”

On the West Coast in San Pablo, California, Maria Floriano attended a No Kings event with immigration on her mind. Wearing a hat and shirt decorated with butterflies, she compared immigration to butterflies and said “migration is beautiful” and “an act of courage.”

“We want them to know that there are people out there fighting for them, that not everyone feels like they're not welcome here,” Floriano said, noting that the protest was in the Bay Area, which has a large immigrant population.

2. The Trump administration and Republican lawmakers have spoken out.

House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Saturday's protests as “Hate America Rally“, and other Republicans derided the event as un-American.

In response to NPR's questions about the protests, White House press secretary Abigail Jackson said, “Who cares?”

Trump was not at the White House during the protests but was visiting his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

Connecticut House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora told Connecticut Public that he finds the message of the No Kings protests “divisive.” He also does not share the protesters' concerns, but supports their right to exercise their First Amendment rights.

“I think our democracy is still strong, but, you know, they can express their opinions freely,” Candelora said.

3. Peaceful protest with singing and dancing.

Despite the many criticisms that anti-Trump protesters have brought, there have been signs of optimism, hope and whimsy in several cities.

Inspired by protesters in Portland, Oregon.people in Los Angeles, Hartford, Connecticut.and other places marched in inflatable animal costumes. Songs and dances broke out. Salt Lake City and other cities.

As with previous mass “No Kings” protests, revolutionary messages were evident in demonstrators' clothing, chants and signs as protesters sought to remind people that America was founded in opposition to monarchy.

In Macon, Georgia, protesters wore seat belts. “The Story of Tonight” from the musical Hamilton is a song about the importance of sacrifice and solidarity today for freedom tomorrow.

The protests were largely peaceful. Police in New York and Washington, D.C., where the rallies drew the largest crowds that day, said no arrests had been made related to the protests.

Republican governments. Glenn Youngkin of Virginia and Greg Abbott of Texas mobilized their respective states' National Guards to prepare for the protests.

“The Governor has authorized active-duty state troopers to conduct training to ensure the Guard is ready to respond if necessary to help keep people safe,” Youngkin spokesman Peter Finocchio wrote in a statement to ILM.

Texas Newsroom reported what Abbott said in a statement about sending the Guard to Austin: “Violence and destruction will never be tolerated in Texas.” The news outlet also reported that police officers were stationed at the entrances to the Capitol grounds checking bags, but protesters said the law enforcement presence was less than previous event “No Kings” in June.

Saturday's rally was peaceful and there were no arrests. According to the Austin Police Department.

NPR's Joel Rose and KQED reporter Brian Krans contributed to this report.