‘No Kings’ protests draw huge crowds as anti-Trump rallies sweep across US
The ‘No Kings’ protests have drawn huge crowds across the United States, with millions of demonstrators gathering in over 2,600 locations nationwide on October 18, 2025, to oppose President Donald Trump’s policies and what organizers describe as an increasingly authoritarian style of governance.
Protest Scope and Organization
The rallies were coordinated by a coalition of more than 200 organizations, including national civil rights groups like Indivisible, the ACLU, MoveOn, Planned Parenthood, and others. Organizers emphasized nonviolent participation, and virtual safety trainings were held ahead of the protests to ensure peaceful conduct.
Events were planned in every state and saw notable turnouts in major cities like Washington, D.C., New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The largest gatherings were expected at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., Times Square in New York, and city centers in Chicago and Los Angeles. Republican governors in Texas and Virginia placed National Guard troops on standby to maintain order during the demonstrations.
Motivations and Key Issues
Protesters voiced strong concerns over:
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Deployment of federal troops in cities, especially those with Democratic leadership.
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Crackdowns on undocumented migrants and immigration enforcement without due process.
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Cuts to university funding and attacks on higher education, particularly for supporting pro-Palestinian activities, campus diversity, and transgender policies.
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Accusations of political prosecutions and attacks on the media.
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The broader sense that President Trump’s actions were reminiscent of monarchical rule, hence the rallying cry: “No Kings”.
The phrase ‘No Kings’ references America’s founding rejection of monarchy and is used by organizers to express opposition to what they perceive as Trump’s attempt at absolute rule and executive overreach.
Government and Republican Response
President Trump, who spent the weekend at Mar-a-Lago, went on record stating, “I’m not a king,” in response to being characterized by protesters. Some Republican leaders criticized the rallies as “Hate America” events, while others blamed Antifa for their organization—a claim disputed by the coalition of civil rights and advocacy groups actually behind the events.
In several states, notably Texas, ahead of the protests, National Guard units were activated to enforce “law and order” and respond to any potential unrest.
Atmosphere and Impact
The overall mood of the demonstrations blended serious protest with festive elements, including street parties, performances, and creative displays of patriotism such as large banners featuring the U.S. Constitution and inflatable frog costumes—a symbol of resistance in some locales. Organizers encouraged wearing yellow attire, drawing on international resistance symbols.
Protesters and leaders stressed that these mobilizations are part of a longer-term movement for democracy and civil rights, calling for continued vigilance and peaceful resistance against any perceived encroachment on American liberties.
