Several No Kings demonstrations were held on Saturday in Maryland as residents protested various policies adopted by President Trump since he took office at the beginning of the year.

Rallies across the state, including in Anne Arundel, Harford, Howard, and Baltimore counties, created heavy traffic and delays throughout the state. 

"We're trying to let people know how important democracy is to this country," said Michael Johnson, who attended a rally in Baltimore County. "We have a right to peaceful protest, and we're here to let people know that there are no kings in this country."

The rallies came as a federal government shutdown reached the 18-day mark, making it the third-longest shutdown in U.S. history and affecting thousands of Marylanders who rely on the federal government.

Speaking on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures," Mr. Trump said, "They're saying they're referring to me as a king. I'm not a king."

House Speaker Mike Johnson on Friday referred to the demonstrations as "Hate America" rallies.

What is the No Kings protest?

The "No Kings" protest originated last June, led by organizers who were strongly compelled to protest the policies coming out of the White House following the second inauguration of Mr. Trump.

"I really do believe that a lot of us are feeling the same, no matter who we voted for — even if you voted for Donald Trump," said Ellie Rosenstock, an event organizer. "I don't personally believe that anyone thought, 'Hey, we're going to have military in the streets,' and I don't think anyone thought, 'Hey, we might not have due process of law.' So, I don't think anybody was voting for that."  

Thousands of people in Maryland attended the first protests on June 14, including Senator Chris Van Hollen, who spoke at a demonstration in Baltimore.

According to their website, the core principle of No Kings events is commitment to nonviolent action. 

Concerns over the National Guard and immigration

One of the issues motivating many Marylanders at the rallies was Mr. Trump's response to crime and the heavily debated deployment of the National Guard to major U.S. cities such as Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and Chicago.

In August, Mr. Trump threatened to send troops into Baltimore despite heavy opposition from state and city leaders. 

Protesters also voiced their concerns over immigration enforcement actions and the attacks on the right to free speech.

"Bringing the military into our cities, grabbing people without any due process," said Paula Casagrande, who attended the rally in Harford County.

"I think there are a lot of people who are being discriminated against for the wrong reasons," added Barbara Kistenmacher, who also protested in Harford County.

"I feel really strongly about immigration, I feel really strongly about protecting education for kids," said Anna Harrel, who rallied in Anne Arundel County.

Protesters carry signs to get the point across

Signs were carried at the Maryland protests with messages reading "No Kings," "Make empathy great again," and "I served for freedom, not fascism."

"I took an oath in 1981 to protect and defend the country from enemies both foreign and domestic," said Darren, a military veteran who rallied in Harford County. "I never forswore that oath. Once a marine, always a marine. The constitution is the law of the land, and it's being trampled upon." 

Many of those who joined the Maryland rallies said it was that perceived threat to constitutional rights that drove them to protest.

"This is the first protest I've been to in my whole entire life, but it feels really important to do this and to say what we need to say and speak up for the rest of the people around us," said Deana Groff, from Baltimore County.

"It's horrible not to feel safe in your own country or that the military can just come in at any time on his whim, and these Republicans in Congress are just sitting there and not doing anything," said Casagrande.

"This is a step towards tyranny, right? We need to rein in and have a balance between the branches of government, and now Trump is expanding the presidency in a very scary fashion," said Mike Cutler, from Howard County.

Hopeful their voices are heard

Protesters said they are angry and they're frustrated, but most of all, they said the nationwide event, like the "No Kings" protest, makes them hopeful.

"Being here is the biggest demonstration that folks here have for America. And loving something through its hardest time is truly loving it," Harral said.