Tens of Thousands Join ‘No Kings’ Protests Nationwide, Reject Trump Power Grab/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Tens of thousands joined “No Kings” protests across the U.S. to denounce President Trump’s authoritarian governing style, amid a prolonged government shutdown. Republicans labeled the rallies “Hate America” events, while demonstrators emphasized patriotism and constitutional rights. From Washington to New York and Chicago, the protests blended street-party energy with sharp political defiance.
‘No Kings’ Protest Movement Quick Looks
- Over 2,600 “No Kings” protests held nationwide on Saturday.
- Rallies push back against Trump’s perceived authoritarianism.
- Government shutdown enters 18th day amid standoff over healthcare funding.
- Republicans call protests “anti-American,” Democrats rally in support.
- Events included costumes, music, signs, and historic references.
- High-profile speakers: Sen. Raphael Warnock, Rep. Jim McGovern, Sen. Chris Murphy.
- Protesters demand restoration of democratic norms and executive restraint.
- Demonstrators cite issues: immigration raids, Gaza war, tax policy, freedom of speech.
- Global solidarity rallies held in Paris, Berlin, Rome, and Stockholm.
- Organizers emphasize nonviolence, with safety training for volunteers.
Deep Look
‘No Kings’ Protests Sweep U.S. as Americans Push Back on Trump’s Power
Washington, D.C. — Oct. 18, 2025
In a sweeping rebuke of President Donald Trump’s leadership style, tens of thousands of demonstrators flooded cities and towns across the U.S. on Saturday for the latest round of “No Kings” protests — a mass mobilization that blended patriotic symbolism, theatrical protest, and calls to defend democracy.
Branded by Republican leaders as “Hate America” rallies, these events drew a stark contrast to the president’s portrayal of power, highlighting a grassroots-driven resistance to what many see as executive overreach. The protests arrive amid an intensifying government shutdown — now in its 18th day — and growing concerns over Trump’s confrontational stance toward Congress and the courts.
Patriotic Resistance, Not Rebellion
Participants marched through iconic spaces like Times Square, Boston Common, and Grant Park with signs reading “Resist Fascism” and “We Protest Because We Love America.” Costumed demonstrators dressed as frogs, unicorns, and colonial revolutionaries emphasized a sense of irony and civic pride. A massive banner featuring the preamble of the U.S. Constitution invited signatures from protesters, symbolizing renewed commitment to American ideals.
“We’re not anti-American — we’re pro-democracy,” said Brian Reymann in Washington, D.C., waving a large American flag. “Calling us terrorists is pathetic. Disagreeing with Trump doesn’t mean we hate this country.”
Retired doctor Terence McCormally, en route to Arlington National Cemetery, echoed that sentiment: “We’re protesting to save what’s left of democracy, not tear it down.”
Trump at Mar-a-Lago as Backlash Grows
As the rallies unfolded, President Trump remained in Florida, hosting a high-dollar MAGA Inc. fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago.
In a Fox News interview, Trump dismissed critics: “They say I want to be a king. I’m not a king.”
But protest leaders say his use of executive power — from military-style immigration raids to suppressing dissent — suggests otherwise.
“This is not how democracies function,” said Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., at the Washington rally. “Trump thinks he can act with impunity while the government’s closed. He can’t.”
Building a Movement — Not Just a Moment
Organizers from groups like Indivisible say Saturday marked a major milestone, with more than 2,600 rallies organized — a record turnout. Earlier protests this year, including opposition to Elon Musk’s federal policy influence and Trump’s military parade, set the stage for broader coordination.
“There is no greater threat to authoritarianism than patriotic people-power,” said Indivisible co-founder Ezra Levin.
In New York City, thousands chanted “Trump must go now,” waving handmade signs and American flags.
In Chicago’s Grant Park, families and activists gathered at the city’s music shell venue, mixing politics with community celebration.
Republicans Push Back — Hard
GOP lawmakers were quick to denounce the rallies.
Speaker Mike Johnson referred to the events as “Hate America rallies,” accusing attendees of being “Marxists,” “antifa types,” and “people who hate capitalism.”
Demonstrators like Glen Kalbaugh dismissed the accusations with humor. Dressed in a wizard hat and holding a frog sign, he said, “If the administration leans on theatrics, so will we.”
Democrats Reclaim Ground
After internal party criticism earlier this year, Democrats are using the shutdown standoff to reassert their role in checking Trump’s power.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Bernie Sanders joined protests, with Schumer declaring, “We will not let democracy fall silently.”
“We finally see some backbone from the Democrats,” said protest organizer Levin. “This is about drawing the line.”
In Atlanta, Sen. Raphael Warnock rallied a massive crowd, saying, “Trump wants to weaponize despair. But today, he’s getting his answer.”
Costumes, Symbols, and Yellow Unity
Protesters wore everything from colonial garb to inflatable frogs and unicorns — a strategy to draw attention and subvert authoritarian narratives. Yellow bandanas and costumes signified nonviolent resistance, inspired by historic protest movements in Hong Kong, South Korea, and Ukraine.
“It’s hard to call us terrorists when we’re dancing in inflatable suits,” said Hailey, a demonstrator from Connecticut who works at an AI startup.
Protesters Share Their Stories
From coast to coast, protesters shared deeply personal reasons for joining.
Danielle Guinto in Chicago, a mother of two, said she came to be “on the right side of history.” A woman in Manhattan, a lifelong protester, held a sign reading: “We protest because we love America.”
In Washington, first-time protester Bobbie Castillo, from Lincoln, Nebraska, was emotional: “It’s powerful. We just want to be heard.”
Her fiancé, Michael Langfeldt, added, “Congress won’t act. So we are.”
International Support and Safety Planning
Protests also erupted outside U.S. embassies in Berlin, Paris, and Rome. Demonstrators abroad held signs denouncing fascism and expressing solidarity with Americans defending democracy.
Back home, safety was a key concern. Liz Cattaneo, a national rally organizer, emphasized nonviolence and extensive training in de-escalation tactics.
“We’ve had daily briefings. We want people to be safe and unafraid,” she said.
The Bigger Picture
Beyond opposing Trump, the “No Kings” movement represents a surge in civic engagement and a defense of constitutional governance. With a deeply divided nation and political stakes at their peak, these rallies may mark a turning point in grassroots political resistance.
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