WASHINGTON (Dispatches) - Thousands rallied across the U.S. against President Donald Trump in ‘No Kings’ demonstrations, a movement that opposes what it sees as Trump’s abuse of power. 
Demonstrators urged people to vote early ahead of November’s midterm elections.
A band entertained what appeared to be a few hundred people in caps and coats Saturday at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Despite the chilly weather, many in the crowd danced to the tunes. “VOTE EARLY” and “HANDS OFF MY VOTE!” were among the many signs held aloft.
At an Atlanta rally, City Councilman Michael Julian Bond told the crowd to urge others to vote ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.
“The constitution gives you one power, right? That is the power to vote. Are you gonna use that power?” he asked.
“You don’t see Superman giving up his power,” Bond continued. “You don’t see Black Panther giving up his power. You don’t see Wonder Woman giving up her magic lasso. So why would you give up your right, your power, your obligation to vote? Be a super hero, use your power. Go to the polls and vote.”
Trump has long been suspicious of mail voting, and has claimed without evidence that voting fraud cost him the 2020 presidential election.
His administration sued California election officials Thursday, asking a judge to bar the state from counting mail-in ballots for the midterm elections from people whom the federal government has identified as “likely” noncitizens until their immigration status can be confirmed.
On Friday, the Justice Department warned that local officials who process and tabulate ballots submitted by suspected noncitizen voters are putting themselves at risk of criminal investigation and potential prosecution.
Earlier Friday, Sens. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., and Dick Durbin, D-Ill., wrote to Attorney General Todd Blanche demanding that the Justice Department commit to not seizing ballots or other election materials before the midterm elections are certified.
According to a new poll, a growing number of Americans believe the country is heading in the wrong direction, with President Donald Trump’s approval rating falling to a second-term low as Republicans face mounting challenges ahead of November’s midterm elections.
The NBC News poll showed Saturday that 71% of U.S. adults believe the country is on the “wrong track,” the highest percentage recorded during Trump’s second term.
Trump’s approval rating dropped to 34%, while 66% disapproved of his performance. The proportion of respondents who strongly disapprove of the president reached 51%, marking a new high for his second term.
Economic dissatisfaction appears to be a major factor behind the negative public mood. The economy ranked as the most important issue for 31% of respondents, while 44% said their financial situation had worsened over the past year.
Rising living costs are also weighing on households, with 67% describing gasoline prices as a serious problem. Many respondents said they had changed grocery purchases or reduced spending to cover essential expenses.
The survey also revealed growing political challenges for Republicans. Among registered voters, 55% preferred Democrats to control Congress, compared with 45% who favored Republicans, signaling potential difficulties for the party in power in the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
A majority of respondents, 58%, said Trump’s policies were hurting the country, while 28% believed they were helping.