They are so named because protesters believed the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has been unduly influenced by the Russian government, also known informally as the Kremlin.

The protests began on the evening of July 16, 2018, the day Trump returned from his controversial summit with Russian president Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, Finland.

Other activists took over from there, including Democratic political strategist Adam Parkhomenko,[1] who said the protests were a response to "Donald Trump's total capitulation to Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Helsinki Summit.

[3][4] The gatherings are more festive than somber, and have featured mariachi bands, protesters in dinosaur costumes, a Russian translator "to help Trump understand our message," repeated playings of the Beatles song "Back in the U.S.S.R.,"[5] and occasional appearances by celebrities such as Alyssa Milano[1] and Kathy Griffin.

[7] In August 2018, actress and comedian Rosie O'Donnell appeared with 55 Broadway musicians who performed songs from musicals such as Hamilton and Les Misérables.