Across the United States, millions of Americans are taking to the streets today, October 18, 2025, for the 'No Kings' protests. These nationwide demonstrations are organized to voice opposition to the Trump administration's perceived authoritarian policies and actions during its second presidency. Events are scheduled in over 2,500 to 2,700 locations across all 50 states, ranging from major cities to smaller towns.
Movement's Origins and Broad Coalition
The 'No Kings' movement builds upon previous demonstrations held in June 2025, which reportedly drew an estimated 4 to 6 million participants across more than 2,100 locations. Organizers anticipate an even larger turnout for today's protests. The movement's name, 'No Kings,' serves to emphasize the American principle that the nation does not have kings or absolute rulers, a direct critique of what organizers describe as President Trump's monarch-like behavior.
A broad coalition of over 200 to 300 organizations is behind the coordinated effort. Key groups involved include the 50501 Movement, Indivisible, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the American Federation of Teachers, and MoveOn. Other notable partners include Common Defense, the Human Rights Campaign, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), the League of Conservation Voters, Public Citizen, and the Service Employees International Union.
Core Grievances Against Administration Policies
Protesters are demonstrating against a range of policies and actions they characterize as authoritarian. These include:
- Ongoing immigration raids and ICE sweeps.
- The deployment of National Guard members and federal troops to various U.S. cities.
- Perceived disregard for the Constitution and defiance of court orders.
- Attacks on the media and prosecutions of political opponents.
- The current government shutdown.
- Broader concerns about the erosion of democratic norms, expansion of executive power, politicization of the civil service, attempts to undermine judicial independence, and the weakening of Congress.
National Scope and Official Reactions
The protests are taking place in anchor cities such as Washington D.C., San Francisco, San Diego, Atlanta, New York City, Houston, Honolulu, Boston, Kansas City (Missouri), Bozeman (Montana), Chicago, and New Orleans. Demonstrations have also been reported internationally, including in London and Madrid.
The demonstrations have drawn strong reactions from political figures. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, has publicly criticized the events, labeling them 'anti-American' and a 'Hate America rally,' and associating them with 'pro-Hamas wing' and 'antifa.' Similarly, United States Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy claimed the protests are 'part of antifa.' In anticipation of the events, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the deployment of the state's National Guard to Austin.
Conversely, Democratic officials have expressed support for the protests. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and California Governor Gavin Newsom have encouraged peaceful participation and emphasized the importance of free speech. Governor Newsom urged the nation to 'use this weekend's No Kings marches as a declaration of independence against the tyranny and lawlessness currently running this country.'
5 Comments
Bermudez
It's encouraging to see so many people engaged in civic action, yet I worry about the potential for these large gatherings to be misconstrued or manipulated by those seeking to sow deeper division. Peaceful intent must be clear.
Bella Ciao
The broad coalition of groups shows widespread concern, which is valid. However, labeling entire policies as 'cruelty' without acknowledging differing perspectives on their intent makes finding common ground incredibly difficult.
Muchacha
While I agree that checks and balances are crucial, some of the specific grievances mentioned, like immigration raids, are part of existing law. It's important to distinguish between policy disagreement and constitutional crisis.
Fuerza
They're just complaining for the sake of it. Focus on solutions, not just anger.
Manolo Noriega
I understand the concerns about executive power and democratic norms, but painting all actions as 'authoritarian' risks undermining legitimate governance. There's a fine line between dissent and destabilization.