What's happened
On October 18, 2025, over seven million people participated in peaceful "No Kings" protests across the US, from major cities like New York and Los Angeles to small towns and suburbs. Demonstrators opposed President Trump’s perceived authoritarianism, immigration policies, and government shutdown, with events marked by festive atmospheres and broad demographic participation.
What's behind the headline?
Mass Mobilization as a Democratic Barometer
The "No Kings" protests represent a significant, organized pushback against what many Americans view as an authoritarian drift under Trump’s administration. The scale—over seven million participants nationwide—signals a broad coalition of opposition, cutting across age, race, and geography. This movement is not merely reactive but strategic, aiming to reclaim democratic values and civil liberties.
Symbolism and Messaging
The choice of the slogan "No Kings" directly challenges Trump’s perceived power grabs, emphasizing constitutional principles and the rejection of autocracy. The use of festive elements—marching bands, inflatable costumes, and patriotic symbols—helps frame the protests as inclusive and peaceful, countering narratives of violence or extremism.
Political Dynamics and Polarization
Republican leaders have dismissed the protests as "hate America" rallies, attempting to delegitimize the movement by associating it with radical elements. Meanwhile, prominent Democrats and progressive figures have embraced the protests as a necessary stand for democracy. This polarization underscores the deep divisions in American politics and the struggle over the country’s future direction.
Implications and Forecast
The protests will likely embolden opposition politicians and activists, increasing pressure on the Trump administration. However, given the entrenched political divides and the administration’s control over federal agencies, substantive policy shifts are unlikely in the short term. The movement’s success will depend on sustaining momentum and translating public dissent into electoral and legislative gains.
Impact on the Public
For many Americans, these protests offer a rare opportunity to express political agency amid a climate of uncertainty and fear. The peaceful nature and broad participation suggest a resilient civil society committed to democratic norms, which will influence public discourse and potentially voter behavior in upcoming elections.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel highlighted the festive yet determined nature of the protests, noting marching bands and inflatable costumes, with veteran Shawn Howard expressing concern over "un-American" military deployments in cities. The Japan Times and SBS emphasized the demographic diversity and peacefulness of the rallies, with SBS quoting Leah Greenberg of Indivisible stating, "There is nothing more American than saying, 'We don't have kings' and exercising our right to peacefully protest." Al Jazeera reported on the chants near the US Capitol and the demand to abolish ICE, quoting Senator Bernie Sanders warning of the dangers of concentrated power. The New Arab provided context on the scale and political significance, quoting protesters like Colleen Hoffman who fear the "death of my country as a democracy," and noted the administration’s muted response contrasted with surrogates’ aggressive rhetoric. The NY Post focused on the confrontational tone from Republican leaders, including House Speaker Mike Johnson calling the protests a "hate America rally," and detailed the presence of anti-Israel and anti-Trump slogans among demonstrators. Together, these sources paint a picture of a massive, peaceful, and politically charged protest movement met with both support and condemnation, reflecting the polarized state of US politics in late 2025.
How we got here
Since January 2025, President Trump’s administration has accelerated immigration enforcement, deployed National Guard troops in Democratic cities, and faced a federal government shutdown. These actions, alongside perceived attacks on democratic norms, have sparked widespread opposition culminating in mass protests dubbed "No Kings," referencing the US Constitution’s rejection of monarchy.
Go deeper
- What are the main demands of the No Kings protesters?
- How has the Trump administration responded to these protests?
- What impact could these protests have on upcoming elections?
More on these topics
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
Bernard Sanders is an American politician who has served as the junior United States Senator from Vermont since 2007. The longest-serving Independent in congressional history, he was elected to the U.S.
-
James Michael Johnson is an American attorney, politician, and former talk radio host serving as the U.S. Representative for Louisiana's 4th congressional district.
-
Hakeem Sekou Jeffries is an American lawyer and Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing New York's 8th congressional district in Brooklyn and Queens.
-
Charlie Kirk is an American conservative activist. He founded Turning Point USA with William T. Montgomery in 2012.
-
Hillary Diane Rodham Clinton is an American politician, diplomat, lawyer, writer, and public speaker who served as the 67th United States Secretary of State from 2009 to 2013, as a United States Senator from New York from 2001 to 2009, and as First Lady o
-
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, also known by her initials, AOC, is an American politician and activist. A member of the Democratic Party, she has been the U.S. Representative for New York's 14th congressional district since January 3, 2019.
-
Leah Francis Greenberg is an American political activist and co-founder of the progressive non-profit organization Indivisible. She is co-author of We Are Indivisible: A Blueprint for Democracy After Trump, published in 2019. Greenberg, along with Indivis