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Republican leaders were largely quiet as No Kings rallies against Trump administration policies unfolded Saturday with bands, “We the People” banners and inflatable frog costumes, rejecting GOP claims of a “hate America” day. The third mass mobilization since Trump’s return came amid an 18‑day shutdown and warnings about authoritarian drift. Trump denied ‘king’ labels, then a campaign account mocked protesters with a monarch video. In counterprogramming, JD Vance and defense secretary Pete Hegseth attended a Marine Corps live‑fire demo that drew Governor Gavin Newsom’s objections and a highway closure, while Fox News and Vance amplified accusations of extremist ties.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.