Donald trump – Foto: Instagram
Millions of demonstrators gathered across all 50 states on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in coordinated protests organized by the No Kings movement. The events, spanning more than 2,600 locations from major urban centers to small towns, focused on accusations that President Donald Trump is undermining democratic institutions through authoritarian actions. Participants highlighted efforts to influence the judiciary, override Congress, and deploy federal police against civilians.
The rallies began early in the morning in cities like Washington D.C., New York, and Los Angeles, with crowds carrying signs reading “No Kings Since 1776” and waving American flags. Organizers from over 200 groups, including Indivisible and labor unions, estimated turnout exceeding 5 million, surpassing June’s events that drew 4-6 million participants.
Security forces monitored the gatherings, reporting mostly peaceful assemblies with minimal disruptions. Isolated arrests occurred for minor infractions, such as blocking traffic, but no widespread clashes were noted.
- Key locations: Washington D.C., Chicago, San Francisco, Atlanta, Boston, and rural sites like Burns, Oregon.
- Notable attendees: Senators Bernie Sanders and Raphael Warnock, plus Representatives Adam Schiff and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
- Global echoes: Solidarity marches in London, Paris, and Toronto.
Roots of the No Kings campaign
The No Kings initiative launched in June 2025, timed to counter a military parade marking the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and Trump’s 79th birthday. Progressive coalitions formed to challenge perceived executive overreach, starting with 2,100 events that mobilized millions.
Digital platforms amplified the call, with sign-ups doubling after announcements of Trump’s judicial appointments and immigration enforcement expansions. The slogan “America Has No Kings” draws from constitutional principles, underscoring separation of powers.
By October, partnerships grew to include civil rights organizations, emphasizing nonviolent action to protect electoral integrity and public services.
Specific grievances on Trump’s agenda
Demonstrators cited recent executive orders slashing funding for diversity programs in universities and accelerating deportations without hearings. Trump’s administration has invoked emergency powers to deploy federal agents in cities like Portland and Los Angeles, bypassing local authorities.
Court challenges have mounted, with federal judges issuing injunctions against troop deployments in at least five states. Data from the Department of Homeland Security shows over 10,000 immigration-related detentions since January, many tied to political activism.
Organizers pointed to Trump’s public statements on seeking extended terms as evidence of monarchical ambitions, contrasting with constitutional limits. These policies, enacted amid a government shutdown, have fueled demands for congressional oversight.
The movement documents 44 instances of federal intervention in local protests since spring, per public records, framing them as direct threats to civil liberties.
Responses from Republican figures
House Speaker Mike Johnson labeled the protests “divisive spectacles” in a morning briefing, urging focus on economic recovery. He argued the events undermine national unity during fiscal challenges.
Trump addressed the rallies in a Fox Business interview on Friday, dismissing claims of overreach and highlighting border security gains. “I’m not a king; I’m delivering results,” he stated, pointing to reduced crime statistics in intervened cities.
White House officials, including Press Secretary Abigail Jackson, warned against any escalation, promising swift enforcement of public order laws. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended military readiness as a safeguard against unrest.
These statements have sharpened partisan lines, with GOP leaders scheduling counter-events in red districts to affirm support for administration priorities.
International dimensions of the rallies
Solidarity actions unfolded in Europe and Canada, with over 100,000 joining in London and Berlin to critique U.S. policy influences on global alliances. Protesters there linked Trump’s tariffs and NATO critiques to broader democratic erosion risks.
In Mexico City, smaller groups rallied against cross-border deportation impacts, coordinating via shared online toolkits from No Kings. These extensions highlight concerns over American foreign policy shifts affecting trade and migration.
European media covered the events extensively, noting parallels to historical anti-authoritarian movements. Organizers reported 500,000 international participants, boosting the campaign’s visibility beyond U.S. borders.
Such outreach underscores how domestic policies reverberate abroad, drawing endorsements from human rights networks.
On-the-ground organization details
Local chapters handled permits and routes, ensuring accessibility with shuttles in high-density areas like Times Square. Volunteers distributed water and first-aid kits, while apps provided real-time updates on traffic and assembly points.
In Chicago, a 22-block march converged at Grant Park, where speakers addressed 200,000 attendees. Barriers and drone surveillance aided crowd management without restricting movement.
Guides promoted de-escalation, leading to cooperation with police in 90% of sites. This preparation minimized delays, keeping emphasis on policy critiques over logistics.
Involvement of prominent voices
Senator Bernie Sanders spoke in Washington, calling the turnout a “vital stand for checks and balances.” His remarks, broadcast live, reached millions and spurred additional registrations.
Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez shared footage from New York, stressing youth engagement in sustaining democracy. Her posts garnered widespread shares, linking local actions to national reforms.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton issued a supportive message, referencing past mobilizations as models for resilience. Celebrities like Robert De Niro appeared in Los Angeles, amplifying messages through social channels.
These endorsements helped frame the protests as a broad coalition effort, transcending party lines.
