Millions Join 'No Kings' Protests Nationwide Against Trump's Authoritarian Tactics

On October 18, 2025, approximately seven million Americans participated in "No Kings" protests across over 2,700 locations nationwide, voicing opposition to perceived authoritarian actions by President Donald Trump. The demonstrations, organized by a coalition including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Indivisible, MoveOn, and the American Federation of Teachers, were largely peaceful and festive, featuring diverse participants from various demographics. Major turnouts occurred in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Washington, D.C., without significant incidents or arrests.

The "No Kings" movement began in response to President Trump's perceived authoritarian tendencies, including the militarization of immigration enforcement and targeting of political opponents. Earlier in the year, on June 14, similar "No Kings" demonstrations took place, coinciding with President Trump's birthday and the anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army. These previous protests also drew millions of participants nationwide.

In Washington, D.C., a survey revealed that the average participant was a white, college-educated woman in her 40s who learned about the event through friends or Instagram. Politically, nearly 90% of attendees aligned with the left. The demonstrations were characterized by a festive and peaceful atmosphere, with participants employing creative costumes and signs to voice their opposition. Symbolic themes included resistance to monarchy and calls for stronger democratic leadership.

Ellen Flenniken, Deputy Director of Campaigns at the ACLU Justice Division, stated, "The 'No Kings' gatherings wouldn’t have been possible without the First Amendment; a cornerstone of U.S. democracy. It gives us freedom of speech, to peacefully protest, and to gather without fear of government intervention."

House Speaker Mike Johnson referred to the event as the "Hate America rally," criticizing the demonstrations as unpatriotic.

The protests underscore a deepening divide within the United States, highlighting growing concerns over the state of democracy and the perceived authoritarian tendencies of the Trump administration. Analysts warn that downplaying such large-scale civil demonstrations could lead to political backlash, signaling escalating civic mobilization amid intensifying political polarization.

The "No Kings" protests marked one of the largest single-day protest movements in U.S. history, reflecting widespread public dissent and the energized political climate heading into future elections.