People across the Twin Cities and the rest of the country gathered at “No Kings” protests – many with signs and inflatable costumes – to speak out against President Donald Trump and his administration on Saturday.

Eden Prairie’s rally, organized by Indivisible Eden Prairie, drew more than 350 people, according to event organizers. The rally took place on Flying Cloud Drive between Singletree Lane and Regional Center Road, near Eden Prairie Center.

Other “No Kings” rallies in the area were held in Chaska, Minnetonka and Minneapolis.

The “No Kings” movement, a series of coordinated protests held nationwide, was organized by progressive groups to denounce what they describe as authoritarianism under the Trump administration and to promote democracy and constitutional rights.

Madeline, the event’s media liaison who asked that her last name not be published, said she had attended a few rallies over the years but had not been involved in organizing before Saturday. She described the environment as very supportive.

“I really just felt with the direction our country is moving, I wanted to make a massive contribution,” Madeline said. 

As a parent, Madeline said she wanted to promote a better future for her daughter. As a teacher, she said she’s concerned about the militarization of American cities.

“The biggest thing that sticks out to me right now as a teacher in America is watching the militarization of our cities,” Madeline said. “Watching these mass agents terrorize communities, detain and deport people and disappear people without warrants, without any due process.”

Lori Constable, another rally attendee, said she came to advocate for her 3-year-old granddaughter and for those who might not be able to speak up.

“I don’t want her to grow up in a regime that’s going to take away her rights and opportunities,” Constable said. “I’m in a pretty comfortable demographic. I’m educated, I’m white. We sit safely, so it’s incumbent upon us to do something for those who don’t have a voice.”

Constable said her biggest concern about the Trump administration was that people could lose their constitutional rights, such as due process, bodily autonomy and public education.

Advocating for one’s beliefs with like-minded individuals makes people feel empowered, Constable said.

“You feel empowered when you’re with other people and you realize you are not an island,” Constable said. “You are not alone in this.”

The Rev. Linda McCollough of Eden Prairie United Methodist Church said her identity as a Christian encouraged her to attend the rally and advocate for change. 

“Baptismal vows are really important. When they say we stand against evil, oppression and injustice in whatever forms they take,” McCollough said. “That gives us, as United Methodists, the power to be able to be out here today.”

McCollough said the turnout amazed her.

“I think it’s amazing seeing people standing here in Eden Prairie alongside one of the busiest roads in town, and getting honks and the support from people who are on the same page,” McCollough said. “We don’t want a king.”

LGBTQ+ rights and immigration were key issues that drew her to the rally on Saturday, McCollough said.

Janet Wenkstern attended her first protest at Saturday’s rally along with two friends, Pat Nash and Pat Spandl, who protested during the Vietnam War. Wenkstern said the community coming together during the rally made her emotional. 

“People feel alone when you’re sitting in your living room,” Wenkstern said. “But it’s like, oh, there’s a bunch of people there. You don’t feel alone.”

Forest Rutherford attended the rally clad in an inflatable dinosaur costume, inspired by costumes that people in Portland, Oregon, wore when protesting the National Guard’s presence in the city. He held a sign that said “No ICE,” a joke about dinosaurs not liking the Ice Age.

Rutherford said it was his first protest. 

“The people are great, they’ve got a good message,” Rutherford said. “I’m glad to see this many people on the side of the road in Eden Prairie.”

Alex Plechash, chairman of the Minnesota Republican Party, sent a newsletter Saturday afternoon condemning the protests against the president and instead criticizing Gov. Tim Walz’s policies.

“If the ‘No Kings’ crowd really wants to protest unchecked power, they should look no further than St. Paul, where the real royalty court sits,” Plechash said in the press release.