DENVER — Thousands of protesters gathered in cities and towns across Colorado and the nation Saturday to take part in hundreds of anti-Trump “No Kings” rallies.
The 50501 Movement, which is orchestrating the protests, says it chose the “No Kings” name to support democracy and speak out against what it calls the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration.
The name 50501 stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement.
Rallies were held in Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Longmont, Arvada, Broomfield, and Northglenn, with over 2,600 events nationwide.
Many demonstrators at the Denver rally were also advocating for universal healthcare.
"Healthcare is a right, not a privilege, and that all Coloradans deserve it, and to take it away from a large number is to move in exactly the wrong direction," said Denver rally participant Dr. Bill Buman.
The group—estimated by the Colorado State Patrol to be around 8,000—gathered at the Colorado Capitol and then marched westbound down Colfax Avenue, prompting several street closures in the area.
Denver police said they made 12 arrests after some demonstrators attempted to enter a highway.
Some RTD light rail lines were also impacted, including the D and H lines.
The Boulder demonstration began with a rally at the Glen Huntington Bandshell before moving to sidewalks along Broadway Street in downtown Boulder.
Protesters addressed issues ranging from budget cuts to the government shutdown, calling for political change.
"I think this is what's going to make a difference in this country, is people coming out and making their wishes known," said Francie Noyes, a Boulder resident who attended the rally.
Noyes said she expected Boulder to draw a large crowd for the event. Organizers estimated around 6,000 attended throughout the afternoon.
"This is so important. This is people standing up for the Constitution, due process, equal protection, women's rights," Noyes said.
Trump himself is spending the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida.
“They say they’re referring to me as a king. I’m not a king,” Trump said in a Fox News interview airing early Friday, before he departed for a $1 million-per-plate MAGA Inc. fundraiser at his club.
Republicans have criticized these protests, with House Speaker Mike Johnson sharing his perspective during a Friday news conference.
"We refer to it more as the 'Hate America' rally," Johnson said. "And I'm not sure how anyone else can refute that."
Political experts say these protests and the possible long-term political impact on President Donald Trump remain uncertain.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
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