Millions Gather Nationwide in "No Kings" Protests Against Perceived Authoritarianism

On October 18, 2025, approximately seven million Americans participated in "No Kings" protests across more than 2,700 locations nationwide, voicing opposition to perceived authoritarianism under President Donald Trump. These demonstrations, organized by a coalition including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), MoveOn, and the American Federation of Teachers, emphasized peaceful assembly and de-escalation tactics.

The "No Kings" movement originated on June 14, 2025, coinciding with President Trump's 79th birthday and a military parade celebrating the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary. The initial protests drew over five million participants nationwide, marking one of the largest single-day demonstrations in U.S. history. The movement's name reflects a rejection of what organizers view as President Trump's attempts to consolidate power and erode democratic norms.

Major turnouts occurred in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. In Manhattan, over 100,000 demonstrators gathered, while nearly 200,000 assembled in Washington, D.C. The protests featured diverse participants, including families, retirees, veterans, and activists, expressing frustration over policies such as the militarization of immigration enforcement and targeting of political opponents. The events were described as mostly festive, featuring costumes and inflatable figures, with minimal reports of unrest.

While largely peaceful, some confrontations occurred. In Riverside, California, a 58-year-old man allegedly drove an SUV into demonstrators, critically injuring a 21-year-old woman. In Denver, Colorado, 12 arrests were made during the protests. Despite these incidents, the overall tone of the demonstrations remained peaceful and non-violent.

The ACLU played a significant role in organizing and supporting the protests, emphasizing the importance of peaceful, lawful protest against abuse of power. Ellen Flenniken, Deputy Director of Campaigns at the ACLU Justice Division, highlighted the unity and power demonstrated by the nationwide events. The movement's messaging focused on rejecting authoritarianism and affirming that "America has no kings, and the power belongs to the people."

Republican lawmakers criticized the demonstrations, labeling them "unpatriotic." House Speaker Mike Johnson referred to the events as "hate America rallies" and suggested they were orchestrated by "the pro-Hamas wing and the Antifa people." President Trump dismissed the accusations and circulated AI-generated videos of himself in royal attire, further highlighting the deepening political divide.

The "No Kings" protests revealed a sense of political frustration and helplessness among participants, as President Trump's power remained unshaken despite declining popularity. The demonstrations, described as joyful and massive, also conveyed concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and the effectiveness of political opposition. Analysts warned that downplaying such large-scale civil demonstrations could lead to political backlash, signaling escalating civic mobilization amid intensifying political polarization.

The "No Kings" protests underscore a significant moment in American civic engagement, reflecting deep-seated concerns about the direction of the nation's leadership and the resilience of its democratic institutions.