Millions of Americans participated in coordinated ‘No Kings’ protests across the United States on October 18, 2025, voicing opposition to President Donald Trump’s policies and what they perceive as his authoritarian tendencies in a largely peaceful display of dissent.
Protests erupted in cities nationwide, including New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, and Los Angeles, with organizers estimating nearly seven million attendees across approximately 2,600 events. In New York City, over 100,000 people filled Times Square and other boroughs, carrying signs with slogans like ‘No Kings, No Tyrants’ and ‘Democracy not Monarchy,’ while in Washington D.C., crowds marched down Pennsylvania Avenue near the U.S. Capitol. The demonstrations were part of a second wave organized by the progressive No Kings network, which aims to resist Trump’s agenda, including his anti-immigration tactics, cuts to federal education and environmental programs, and expansion of executive power.
Participants expressed concerns about the erosion of democratic norms, with many citing Trump’s use of executive orders to dismantle parts of the federal government and deploy National Guard troops despite state objections. In Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson rallied protesters by condemning what he called ‘authoritarianism,’ while in Washington D.C., Senator Bernie Sanders delivered a keynote speech emphasizing that the gatherings were about loving America, not hating it. Democratic politicians like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senators Cory Booker and Adam Schiff joined rallies, posting support on social media and thanking Americans for speaking out.
Republican leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, disparaged the protests as ‘hate America’ rallies and linked them to far-left groups like Antifa, though organizers and attendees stressed the events were peaceful and inclusive. Trump himself addressed the rallies in a Fox News interview, denying accusations of behaving like a king and defending his actions as necessary for national recovery. His administration has faced criticism for measures such as immigration crackdowns and prosecutions of political opponents, which protesters argued threaten constitutional principles.
Law enforcement reported no major incidents of violence or protest-related arrests, with police in New York and Washington D.C. monitoring events without intervention. Republican governors in states like Virginia and Texas had mobilized National Guard troops as a precaution, drawing condemnation from Democrats who argued it mirrored authoritarian tactics. Despite these preparations, the protests remained calm, with participants ranging from veterans to immigrants, all united in their call for accountability and democratic values.
The scale of the demonstrations underscores deep political divisions in the U.S., with a Reuters/Ipsos poll showing Trump’s approval rating at 40%, reflecting ongoing public discontent. Organizers highlighted the success of the June 2025 protests and projected even larger turnouts for this event, signaling a sustained movement against perceived overreach. International solidarity rallies in cities like London, Berlin, and Toronto further amplified the message, showing global concern for American democratic institutions.
Looking ahead, the No Kings network and participants emphasized a commitment to peaceful activism and community building, with many vowing to continue resisting policies they view as harmful. The protests may influence upcoming political debates and legal challenges, particularly regarding executive power and civil liberties, as the nation grapples with its future direction amid heightened polarization.