Nationwide 'No Kings' Protests Sweep US, Decrying Authoritarianism and Shutdown
Published Date: 18th Oct, 2025
WASHINGTON D.C. — Millions of Americans are taking to the streets today in cities and towns across the country for the second major wave of "No Kings" protests, demonstrating against what organizers describe as the increasingly authoritarian actions and policies of the Donald Trump administration.
The nationwide mobilization, which is expected to encompass over 2,600 locations, is a joint effort by a broad coalition of progressive groups, including Indivisible and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Protesters are railing against a range of issues, from the ongoing 18-day government shutdown and what they view as a dangerous overreach of presidential power, to federal deployments in American cities and crackdowns on immigration.
The movement's core message, "No Kings since 1776," is a direct historical challenge to President Trump, whom critics accuse of acting like a monarch by defying courts and seeking to undermine democratic institutions.
Massive Turnout Expected
Early reports from anchor cities like New York, Washington D.C., and Atlanta indicate large and peaceful gatherings. Thousands filled New York's Times Square and lined Pennsylvania Avenue in the nation's capital, many waving American flags and signs with slogans like "No Kings" and "Democracy over Dictatorship." Organizers have stressed a commitment to nonviolent resistance and have trained thousands of participants in de-escalation tactics.
"There is no greater threat to an authoritarian regime than patriotic people-power," said Ezra Levin, a co-founder of Indivisible, one of the key organizing groups. The latest rallies build on the success of the first "No Kings" day in June, which drew millions of protesters across over 2,100 locations, making it one of the largest single-day protests in US history.
Political Divide Sharpens
The protests have highlighted the stark political polarization in the country. Senior Democratic leaders, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Independent Senator Bernie Sanders, have voiced strong support, framing the rallies as a defense of constitutional values and civil liberties. Sanders referred to the demonstrations as "love America rallies," pushing back against opposition narratives.
Conversely, Republicans have fiercely denounced the protests. House Speaker Mike Johnson called the gatherings "Hate America rallies," accusing participants of being "Marxists" and part of the far-left. The GOP has also sought to tie the demonstrations to the protracted government shutdown, suggesting Democrats are unwilling to compromise until after the rallies are over.
President Trump, who is spending the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago home, rejected the monarch comparison ahead of the events, telling Fox News, "They say they're referring to me as a king. I'm not a king."
The outcome of the mass demonstrations is unlikely to immediately shift administration policy, but organizers hope the unified public display will send a powerful message to lawmakers and motivate a long-term grassroots movement dedicated to safeguarding US democracy. Solidarity events, often titled "No Tyrants" or "No Dictators," were also reported in cities across Europe.
Date: 18th Oct, 2025
