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Millions Rally Nationwide and Abroad in Historic ‘No Kings’ Demonstrations

  • Writer: Richard Sykes
    Richard Sykes
  • Oct 20
  • 3 min read

UNITED STATES—On October 18, 2025, an estimated 7 million people across the United States and dozens of countries around the world took to the streets in a sweeping wave of “No Kings” demonstrations—one of the largest single-day protest mobilizations in modern history.1 2 3

Origins and Purpose

The “No Kings” movement began as a viral online slogan opposing authoritarianism and executive overreach, particularly under President Donald Trump’s second administration. What started as digital dissent has evolved into a global campaign for democratic accountability, civil liberties, and constitutional checks and balances.2 4

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Organizers framed the protests as a celebration of First Amendment rights and a rebuke of recent federal actions, including increased immigration enforcement and controversial executive orders. Lisa Gilbert, co-president of Public Citizen, called it “without question, the single biggest day of protest in American history”.5

Protesters march at the second "No Kings" demonstration on October 18, 2025.
Protesters march at the second "No Kings" demonstration on October 18, 2025.

Scope and Scale

  • Over 2,700 events were held across all 50 U.S. states and territories, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.1 2

  • Major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, and Washington, D.C. saw crowds exceeding 100,000 each.1 3

  • International demonstrations occurred in Europe, North America, and the Pacific, with countries like Canada, Mexico, Australia, Germany, and the UK joining in solidarity. In monarchies, slogans were adapted to “No Tyrants” or “No Dictators”.2

Voices from the Ground

In Morristown, New Jersey, roughly 8,000 people rallied outside Town Hall. Mayor Tim Dougherty invoked the town’s revolutionary roots, urging citizens to “grow louder” in defense of democracy.6  In Spartanburg, South Carolina, hundreds gathered with signs reading “Democracy Dies in Silence” and “Resist Fascism,” emphasizing peaceful resistance and civic unity.7

Protest Culture and Symbolism

The demonstrations featured a mix of solemnity and festivity. Protesters donned inflatable costumes, carried satirical signs, and staged street performances. In Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania Avenue turned into a vibrant corridor of dissent, echoing chants like “No Kings, No Crowns, Just Us”.8

Political Reaction

President Trump dismissed the protests as “a joke,” alleging they were funded by “radical left lunatics” and claiming they were “very small, very ineffective”.9 He later posted memes mocking the movement, including one depicting himself wearing a crown and joking about staying in power “4EVA.”

What’s Next?

This was the third mass mobilization since Trump’s return to office in January 2025, following nationwide protests in April and the first “No Kings” event on June 14. Organizers say the movement is far from over, with plans for continued civic engagement, legislative advocacy, and international solidarity efforts.1 8

 




References (9)

3‘No Kings’ Protests Against Trump Draw Crowds Across U.S.. https://time.com/7326801/no-kings-protests-near-me-trump/

4No Kings protests (October 2025) - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_Kings_protests_(October_2025)

7Thousands protest across Greenville, Spartanburg for 'No Kings' day of action. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/thousands-protest-across-greenville-spartanburg-for-no-kings-day-of-action/ar-AA1OJnHL

9Trump slams ‘joke’ No Kings protest before troll posts about staying in power ‘4EVA’: Live. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/trump-slams-joke-no-kings-protest-before-troll-posts-about-staying-in-power-4eva-live/ar-AA1OItff

 

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