October 18 – Cities across the United States witnessed massive crowds on Saturday as citizens of all ages came together for “No Kings” rallies, expressing their opposition to what they perceive as authoritarian tendencies and corruption under President Trump. The demonstrations, held in both major metropolitan areas and smaller towns, aimed to challenge the policies and direction of the Trump administration.
Organizers expected millions to participate in over 2,600 planned rallies nationwide, with people turning out in costumes, carrying banners, and marching with inflatable characters in a generally festive atmosphere. Families, retirees, and individuals with pets were all part of the diverse crowds, highlighting a broad base of engagement. Despite the scale of the gatherings, authorities reported very few incidents of lawlessness, and most events proceeded peacefully.
Democracy on Display
Leah Greenberg, co-founder of the progressive organization Indivisible, which coordinated many of Saturday’s events, emphasized the significance of the demonstrations. “There is nothing more American than saying, ‘We don’t have kings’ and exercising our right to peacefully protest,” she stated.
In New York City, Times Square was filled with demonstrators, while the five boroughs collectively hosted more than 100,000 attendees. Cities including Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Denver, Chicago, and Seattle also saw large turnouts, each ranging from thousands to tens of thousands. On the West Coast, downtown Los Angeles became a hub for multiple rallies, while Seattle’s parade route from downtown to the Space Needle was lined with demonstrators. San Diego alone counted more than 25,000 peaceful participants, according to local police.
The protests reflected widespread concern, particularly among those on the ideological left, over Trump’s actions during his administration. Issues that drew criticism included the legal targeting of political opponents, strict immigration enforcement supported by National Guard deployments, and the appointment of inexperienced loyalists across government institutions. These moves, critics say, risk undermining democratic norms and consolidating power in ways that challenge long-standing American governance.
Participants expressed their concerns creatively. Aliston Elliot, dressed as the Statue of Liberty, carried a sign reading “No Wannabe Dictators” while marching in Washington, D.C., saying, “We want to show our support for democracy and fighting for what is right. I’m against the overreach of power.” In Houston, U.S. Marine Corps veteran Daniel Aboyte Gamez, 30, joined roughly 5,000 fellow protesters at City Hall. “I don’t understand what’s going on in this nation right now,” he said, citing his service in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria.
Many attendees identified as former Republicans or expressed disappointment with the party’s current trajectory. Kevin Brice, 70, a veteran in Portland, Oregon, wore a sweatshirt declaring “No Kings since 1776.” He explained, “Even though I’m a lifelong Republican, I don’t support the direction the party is going.” Similarly, Houston retiree Steve Klopp, 74, echoed these sentiments while wearing a shirt reading “Former Republican,” highlighting a personal shift due to dissatisfaction with Trump’s leadership.
In Denver, Kelly Kinsella, 38, dressed as Lady Liberty with symbolic red streaks on her face, cited economic stress and inflation resulting from Trump’s tariff policies as her motivation to join the protest. Across the nation, such personal and political grievances fueled participation in these rallies.
President Trump commented briefly on the protests in a Fox Business interview, saying, “They’re referring to me as a king – I’m not a king,” downplaying the criticisms voiced by demonstrators. While the Democratic Party continues to manage internal disagreements, prominent figures from both its establishment and progressive wings expressed support for the “No Kings” movement.
Political Reactions and Historical Context
Saturday’s protests aimed to build on momentum from previous demonstrations, including over 2,000 “No Kings” events staged on June 14, coinciding with Trump’s birthday and a military parade in Washington, D.C. While the rallies were largely peaceful, some Republican leaders voiced strong opposition. House Speaker Mike Johnson described the protests as an “anti-American” display, while others warned that such events could provoke political tensions in an already polarized climate.
Vice President JD Vance, speaking to a gathering of Marines at Camp Pendleton in Southern California, did not address the protests but criticized Democrats over the ongoing government shutdown tied to a budget standoff.
Experts in political activism predicted that Saturday’s turnout could be one of the largest in modern U.S. history. Dana Fisher, a professor at American University, estimated that over three million people nationwide could have participated, based on prior registration and past attendance figures. The June rallies had reportedly drawn between four and six million participants, demonstrating the growing strength and visibility of the “No Kings” movement.