Nearly seven million people across the United States flooded the streets for “No Kings” protests against President Donald Trump’s policies on Saturday, Oct. 18.  

A few days before the protests, Trump dismissed their magnitude. “I hear very few people are going to be there, by the way,” Trump said in a White House press conference on Oct. 15. 

In reality, millions of people flooded the protests. Over 2,500 took part in all 50 states, with over 200 organizations partnering for the protests. 

Several members of the Menlo community, including senior Claire Barnett and French teacher Corrine Chung, took part in protests in the Bay Area. 

Barnett attended one of the local protests in Palo Alto. According to Barnett, people were chanting and marching, and there were also booths from different organizations supporting the protest. 

“I attended because I fundamentally disagree with everything that Donald Trump is doing, and I just feel like protesting is one of the ways that I can actually make my voice heard and feel like I’m making a difference,” Barnett said.

Similarly, Chung attended a protest in Redwood City. Chung feels that as an older member of society, it is her duty to take risks and fight for the future generations. Chung said she believes the current administration is abusing its power and feels that protesting is an effective way of addressing the issue. 

“I am disappointed with the people, too. I see enough people who are too comfortable, especially in California. If we wait, it will be too late,” Chung said. 

In response to the protests across the country, Trump posted an AI-generated video of himself in a fighter jet dropping feces on the protesters on Truth Social.