On October 18, 2025, millions of Americans took to the streets in what organizers describe as one of the largest coordinated demonstrations in U.S. history. Dubbed the “No Kings” protests, these events highlighted widespread concerns over President Donald Trump’s actions, which many view as a dangerous expansion of executive power. From bustling cities to small towns, protesters gathered peacefully to affirm that America has no place for kings or unchecked authority, echoing a movement that began earlier in the year.
- Research suggests the protests drew an estimated 7 million participants nationwide, with events in over 2,700 locations across all 50 states, showing broad opposition to perceived authoritarianism.
- It seems likely that the demonstrations were largely peaceful, though isolated incidents occurred, reflecting a commitment to non-violent resistance amid heightened tensions.
- The evidence leans toward these rallies energizing dissenters, but they also drew sharp criticism from Trump and Republicans, who dismissed them as “hate America” events, highlighting deep political divides.
Background on the Movement
The “No Kings” movement emerged in response to Trump’s second-term policies, building on initial protests in June 2025. Organizers, including groups like Indivisible and MoveOn, emphasize defending democracy against actions like immigration raids and military deployments in cities.
Key Locations and Turnout
Protests spanned major urban centers and rural areas, with significant crowds in New York City (over 100,000), Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington D.C. Here’s a summary of notable turnouts:
| City/State | Estimated Crowd Size | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| New York City | 100,000+ | Times Square rallies, chants like “This is what democracy looks like” |
| Washington D.C. | Tens of thousands | Speeches by Sen. Bernie Sanders; frog costumes and eagle outfits |
| Los Angeles | Thousands | Inflatable Trump balloon; intersection occupations |
| Chicago | Thousands | Stretched over 22 blocks; family-friendly vibe |
| Austin, Texas | 30,000 | Despite Republican-led state, strong showing with National Guard on standby |
Reactions from Officials and Public
Trump mocked the events with AI-generated memes portraying himself as a king, while allies like House Speaker Mike Johnson labeled them “hate America rallies.” Protesters, including veterans and families, countered by stressing love for the country and concern for its future.
The Rise of the ‘No Kings’ Movement: A Deep Dive into America’s Latest Wave of Dissent
In the crisp autumn air of October 18, 2025, streets across the United States buzzed with the energy of collective action. What started as a grassroots response to President Donald Trump’s policies had ballooned into a nationwide phenomenon known as the “No Kings” protests. Organizers from progressive coalitions like Indivisible, the 50501 movement, MoveOn, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and the American Federation of Teachers reported over 2,700 events in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and even international locations. Estimates pegged participation at nearly seven million people – a figure that, if accurate, would rank among the largest protest days in American history. These demonstrations weren’t just about voicing discontent; they were a vivid reminder of the American ideal that power resides with the people, not in the hands of any one leader.
The movement’s roots trace back to June 2025, when the first major “No Kings” protests erupted on June 14 – coinciding with Trump’s birthday and a controversial military parade in Washington D.C. That initial wave drew between four and six million participants across more than 2,100 locations, including U.S. territories and 20 foreign countries. Protesters decried what they saw as Trump’s monarchical tendencies, such as depictions of him as a king on White House social media and claims of divine legitimacy. The June events were largely peaceful, though marred by isolated violence, including a fatal shooting in Salt Lake City and arrests in Denver. Building on this momentum, smaller actions followed in July and August, but October’s iteration amplified the call, fueled by escalating grievances like a prolonged government shutdown, mass immigration raids, and the deployment of National Guard troops to cities against governors’ wishes.
What Fueled the October Outpouring?
At the heart of the protests lay a litany of concerns over Trump’s second-term actions, which critics argue erode democratic norms. Since his inauguration in January 2025, Trump has issued executive orders dismantling federal agencies, authorizing covert CIA operations in Venezuela, launching military strikes against alleged drug traffickers without congressional approval, and commuting sentences for allies like former Rep. George Santos. Protesters highlighted the rollback of vaccine requirements, erosion of voting rights, cuts to healthcare for millions, and the “One Big Beautiful Bill” – a sweeping legislative proposal seen as consolidating power.
In cities like Portland, Oregon, nightly clashes at an ICE building underscored fears of militarized federal agents. Shawn Howard, an Iraq War veteran protesting in Washington D.C., told reporters, “I fought for freedom abroad, and now I see extremists pushing us toward civil conflict.” Similarly, Hayley Wingard in San Francisco expressed alarm over troops in her hometown: “That’s scary – I don’t want the military in my cities.” These sentiments were echoed in slogans like “Democracy not Monarchy,” “The Constitution is not optional,” and “Resist Fascism,” painted on signs and chanted through megaphones.
The timing also aligned with a government shutdown that left federal workers unpaid and services disrupted, which Republicans blamed on Democrats but protesters attributed to Trump’s intransigence. International solidarity added a global dimension, with rallies in Berlin, Paris, London, and Toronto using adapted slogans like “No Tyrants” to avoid confusion in monarchies.
Scenes from the Streets: Diversity, Creativity, and Peaceful Energy
The protests were a tapestry of American life – teachers, lawyers, veterans, families, and retirees marching side by side. In New York City, over 100,000 filled Times Square and boroughs, with helicopters overhead and police on the sidelines. Chicago’s Grant Park saw crowds stretching 22 blocks, while Atlanta’s demonstrators covered three city blocks. Even in red states like Texas and Alabama, turnouts surprised organizers: Austin drew 30,000 despite Governor Greg Abbott activating troops, and Birmingham’s Jessica Yother found solace in the crowd, saying, “Here are my people.”
Creativity abounded. Los Angeles featured the infamous Trump “baby blimp” and an inflatable frog – a symbol of resistance. In San Francisco, protesters spelled “No King!” with their bodies on Ocean Beach. Washington D.C. had dancing, music, and costumes, including a pink shark and bald eagle. Children participated too, learning about activism as parents like those in Cornelius, North Carolina, encouraged supportive honks from passing cars.
While mostly peaceful – with no arrests in New York and similar reports elsewhere – tensions flared in Portland, where federal agents used tear gas at an ICE site. In Salt Lake City, about 3,500 gathered to heal from June’s shooting, sharing messages of hope.
To illustrate the scale, consider this expanded table of turnouts based on reports from multiple sources:
| Region/State | Key Cities/Towns | Estimated Participants | Highlights and Incidents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | New York City, Boston, Philadelphia | 100,000+ (NYC); 100,000+ (Boston) | Times Square chants; speeches and music at Boston Common; no major incidents |
| Midwest | Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas City | Thousands (Chicago over 22 blocks) | Family vibes; frog costume in Kansas City; peaceful with police presence |
| South | Atlanta, Miami, Austin (TX), Birmingham (AL) | 30,000 (Austin); Thousands (Atlanta) | Rain in Dallas didn’t deter; “Here are my people” sentiment in Birmingham; National Guard in TX |
| West | Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland (OR), Seattle | Tens of thousands (Portland); Thousands (LA) | Inflatable Trump; tear gas in Portland clash; giant Constitution signing in Seattle |
| Small Towns/Rural | Richmond (KY), Boise (ID), Cornelius (NC) | Hundreds to thousands | Sidewalk marches; car honks in support; teaching kids about democracy |
| International | Berlin, Paris, London, Toronto | Hundreds to thousands | Solidarity rallies at U.S. embassies; “No Tyrants” slogans |
This diversity underscores the movement’s broad appeal, crossing political and geographic lines.
Political Ripples: Responses and Broader Implications
Trump’s camp responded with derision. The president posted an AI meme of himself in a “KING TRUMP” jet dumping sewage on protesters, while Vice President JD Vance shared a similar image on Bluesky. In a Fox News interview, Trump quipped, “I’m not a king,” dismissing the crowds as “whacked out.” House Speaker Mike Johnson called it a “Hate America rally” featuring “Antifa types” and “Marxists.” White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson’s curt “Who cares?” epitomized the administration’s contempt.
Yet, as analysts note, such reactions may bolster the protesters’ case. By embracing “king” imagery and belittling dissent, Trump appears to confirm fears of hubris and unchecked power. Democratic leaders like Sen. Bernie Sanders rallied the crowds, declaring, “We’re here because we love America,” while Sen. Chris Murphy hailed the turnout as “breathtaking.” Organizers like Ezra Levin of Indivisible praised emerging “spine” among Democrats.
Social media amplified the divide. Posts on X (formerly Twitter) ranged from supportive union marches by CWA Local 1180 to mocking videos from conservative accounts like Clown World ™, labeling protesters as “fascists” online. Celebrities like Jon Bon Jovi joined in New Jersey, drawing backlash from Trump supporters.
The protests occur amid Trump’s declining approval (40% per Reuters/Ipsos), a shutdown with no end in sight, and legal battles over troop deployments. They signal “Resistance 2.0,” potentially foreshadowing unrest before midterms. As the No Kings website (nokings.org) states, the movement vows to continue, with a virtual event on October 21 to plan next steps.
In a nation grappling with its identity, these protests serve as a poignant call: America thrives on checks and balances, not crowns. Whether they sway policy remains uncertain, but they’ve undeniably mobilized millions in defense of democracy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the “No Kings” protests?
These are nationwide demonstrations opposing what participants view as excessive executive power under President Donald Trump, emphasizing that America rejects monarchical or unchecked authority. The name draws from historical ideals of democracy over tyranny.
When did the latest “No Kings” protests occur?
The most recent major wave took place on October 18, 2025, following an earlier series in June 2025. Organizers have hinted at ongoing actions, including virtual events.
Why are people protesting?
Protesters cite concerns over Trump’s policies, including immigration enforcement, government shutdowns, military deployments in cities, and perceived erosion of democratic norms like checks and balances.
How many people participated?
Estimates suggest nearly 7 million across over 2,700 locations in all 50 states, making it one of the largest protest days in U.S. history, though turnout varied by region.
Were the protests peaceful?
Yes, the vast majority were peaceful and boisterous, with creative elements like music and costumes; however, isolated incidents, such as clashes in Portland, occurred.
What has been President Trump’s response?
Trump dismissed the protests as a “joke,” sharing AI-generated memes mocking participants, while claiming they were funded by external influences like George Soros.
Where did the protests happen?
Events spanned major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington D.C., as well as smaller towns and international sites in Europe and Canada.
Who organized the protests?
Groups like Indivisible, MoveOn, the ACLU, and the American Federation of Teachers coordinated through the No Kings website (nokings.org), building on grassroots efforts.
Did the protests include international participation?
Yes, solidarity rallies occurred in places like Berlin, Paris, London, and Toronto, adapting slogans to “No Tyrants” in some monarchies.
What are the future plans for the movement?
Organizers plan continued resistance, including virtual events on October 21, 2025, and potential actions tied to midterms, focusing on policy advocacy and voter mobilization.
