American Expats Plan Lisbon Protest for 28 March in Global 'No Kings' Movement

The American expat and immigrant community in Portugal is preparing a large-scale mobilisation for Saturday, 28 March, joining a global wave of "No Kings" protests against the Trump administration. The rally, organised by the AMPT UP collective, will take place at Praça do Comércio in Lisbon from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

What Is AMPT UP?

AMPT UP (Americans in Portugal United) is a collective representing US citizens and immigrants living in Portugal. The group describes its mission as defending democratic values and holding the US government accountable — even from 5,000 kilometres away.

"We are mad as hell, and we want our government and the world to know it," the organisers declare, framing the protest as a demonstration of "strength and unity in the name of political decency and the preservation of democracy."

Why Praça do Comércio?

The choice of one of Lisbon's most prominent public squares is deliberate. The organisers want to raise awareness not just among fellow Americans abroad but also among Portuguese neighbours and the wider international community. Praça do Comércio — historically known as Terreiro do Paço — has long served as a gathering point for demonstrations and public events in the Portuguese capital.

Part of a Global Movement

The Lisbon rally is one of many planned worldwide, joining protests in cities across Europe, Asia, and the Americas as part of the "No Kings" movement. The protests are in response to what organisers describe as "brazen corruption" and the erosion of democratic norms under the current US administration.

For AMPT UP members, the message is clear: US politics no longer stop at the water's edge. Policy decisions in Washington affect American citizens abroad — from taxation (the US is one of only two countries that taxes citizens on worldwide income regardless of residence) to consular services, social security, and voting rights.

Portugal's Growing American Community

The protest also highlights the significant and growing American expat community in Portugal. Attracted by the country's quality of life, favourable tax regimes (including the now-modified NHR programme), safety, and relatively affordable cost of living compared to major US cities, thousands of Americans have relocated to Portugal in recent years.

Lisbon and the Algarve remain the most popular destinations, but Americans are increasingly found in Porto, the Silver Coast, and smaller cities like Braga and Coimbra.

Practical Details

• Date: Saturday, 28 March 2026
• Time: 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
• Location: Praça do Comércio, Lisbon
• Nature: Non-violent, peaceful protest

The organisers are calling for media coverage to amplify their message across the Atlantic and are encouraging all American citizens in Portugal — regardless of political affiliation — to attend.