Thousands of so-called “No Kings” rallies are being held across the US to protest at what organisers are calling Donald Trump’s “crackdowns on First Amendment rights”.

Millions of people are expected to take part in the demonstrations – the second such gathering, after an initial nationwide day of protest in June, coinciding with the US president’s birthday.

The term “No Kings” reflects the belief by some that the US president is behaving like a “king” and some in his administration are depicting him as a monarch.

Supporters are framing the marches as a patriotic defence of free speech, while critics are calling them anti-American.

Here are some of the pictures emerging from the rallies.

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People attend a ‘No Kings’ protest in New York. Pic: Reuters

A Donald Trump is presented as a prisoner in chains in Seattle. Pic: AP
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A Donald Trump is presented as a prisoner in chains in Seattle. Pic: AP

Some protest marches, like this one in Washington DC, have the appearance of a colourful parade. Pic: AP
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Some protest marches, like this one in Washington DC, have the appearance of a colourful parade. Pic: AP

Donald Trump’s Republican Party has dismissed the demonstrations as “Hate America” rallies, but in many places the events looked more like a street party.

There were marching bands, huge banners and signs, effigies of the president and demonstrators wearing inflatable costumes.

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A large inflatable effigy of Donald Trump in Chicago. Pic: Reuters
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A large inflatable effigy of Donald Trump in Chicago. Pic: Reuters

Thousands gather along a waterfront in Portland, Oregon. Pic: AP
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Thousands gather along a waterfront in Portland, Oregon. Pic: AP

Protesters at the Wyoming State Capitol are been creative with their signs. Pic: Wyoming Tribune Eagle/AP
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Protesters at the Wyoming State Capitol are been creative with their signs. Pic: Wyoming Tribune Eagle/AP

The protests follow Donald Trump’s return to the White House and come against the backdrop of a government shutdown which has closed federal programmes and services.

There has also been criticism of what some see as an aggressive executive, confronting Congress and the courts, in ways that protest organisers believe are a slide toward authoritarianism.

This event in San Francisco is among thousands taking place across the US. Pic: Reuters
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This event in San Francisco is among thousands taking place across the US. Pic: Reuters

A 'No Kings' sign, outside City Hall in Los Angeles, represents a protest against what is seen as increasingly authoritarian rule. Pic: Reuters
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A ‘No Kings’ sign, outside City Hall in Los Angeles, represents a protest against what is seen as increasingly authoritarian rule. Pic: Reuters

So far, the atmosphere at most of the protests appears largely energetic and upbeat, with protesters calling for accountability and protections for civil liberties.

Organisers insist today’s events will be peaceful – a direct response to Republican and Trump administration claims that the protests could be unsafe.