Demonstrators rally in Washington, D.C. during the ‘No Kings’ protests on October 18, 2025.
Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images for No Kings
On Saturday, cities across the United States witnessed one of the largest coordinated demonstrations opposing the Trump administration’s policies. The central message of these gatherings was a strong critique of President Trump’s leadership style, accusing him of acting more like a sovereign ruler than a democratically elected leader.
This event represented the second major nationwide protest wave orchestrated by No Kings, a coalition of progressive groups united in their resistance to Trump’s political agenda.
According to organizers, approximately 2,600 No Kings events took place in nearly every state, with expectations of surpassing the 5 million participants reported during their previous nationwide mobilization in June.
Aerial view of protesters forming a human banner on Ocean Beach, San Francisco during the ‘No Kings’ protests on October 18, 2025.
Laure Andrillon/AFP via Getty Images
Motivated by a series of controversial actions taken by the administration since the summer, the movement highlighted issues such as the widespread detainment of immigrants by often-unidentified Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, drastic cuts to federal funding for education and environmental safeguards, as well as concerns over gerrymandering and other democratic principles.
Below is an overview of the key moments from the day’s protests.
1. Rallying Together to Defend Democratic Values
Participants gathered to voice opposition to a broad spectrum of policies, including the administration’s immigration enforcement strategies and its advocacy for federal and military involvement in states governed by Democrats to address crime. Despite the variety of issues, the unifying theme centered on upholding democracy, constitutional freedoms, and the foundational liberties of the United States.
In the nation’s capital, crowds congregated along Pennsylvania Avenue near the U.S. Capitol, many brandishing signs proclaiming “No Kings, No Tyrants.” A sea of yellow attire symbolized solidarity among the demonstrators.
Large crowds gathered in downtown Washington, D.C., for the ‘No Kings’ rally.
Tyrone Turner/WAMU
Delaware resident Uriah Kitchen attended the rally alongside his son Elijah, expressing to NPR that their presence was a reaffirmation of their commitment to the nation’s ideals. “We pledged allegiance in school, and this is what it’s all about,” he said. “We’re here to safeguard America.”
Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, an Independent aligned with Democrats, addressed the crowd in D.C., criticizing tech moguls who have amassed greater wealth and influence since Trump’s presidency began. Sanders named Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg as examples of billionaires who were visibly supportive during Trump’s inauguration.
On the West Coast, Maria Floriano participated in a No Kings event in San Pablo, California, focusing on immigration issues. Adorned with butterfly-themed apparel, she likened migration to the natural beauty and bravery of butterflies, stating, “Migration is beautiful and an act of courage.”
Protesters rally during the ‘No Kings’ national day of protest in Kansas City, Mo. on Oct. 18, 2025.
Austin Casey Johnson/AFP via Getty Images
“We want to show that there are people standing up for immigrants, that they are welcome here,” Floriano said, emphasizing the significance of holding the protest in a Bay Area community with a large immigrant population.
2. Responses from the Trump Administration and GOP Leaders
House Speaker Mike Johnson condemned the protests, labeling them a “hate America rally,” while other Republican figures dismissed the events as unpatriotic.
When questioned by NPR about the demonstrations, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson responded dismissively, saying, “Who cares?”
President Trump was not present at the White House during the protests, instead spending the day at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
Connecticut House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora described the “No Kings” slogan as divisive but acknowledged the protesters’ constitutional right to assemble and express their views.
“Our democracy remains robust, but they are entitled to voice their opinions,” Candelora remarked.
3. Peaceful Demonstrations Filled with Creativity and Hope
Despite critiques that anti-Trump protests often carry a confrontational tone, many cities showcased moments of joy, creativity, and optimism.
Protesters in inflatable costumes at the ‘No Kings’ protest in Memphis, Tenn. on Oct. 18, 2025.
Jan Sonnenmair/Getty Images
Inspired by similar demonstrations in Portland, Oregon, participants in Los Angeles, Hartford, Connecticut, and other cities donned inflatable animal costumes during their marches. In Salt Lake City and elsewhere, spontaneous singing and dancing enlivened the gatherings.
As with previous No Kings protests, revolutionary themes were prominent in attire, chants, and signage, reminding attendees of America’s origins in opposition to monarchy.
In Macon, Georgia, protesters performed “The Story of Tonight” from the musical Hamilton, a song emphasizing the importance of sacrifice and unity today to secure freedom for the future.
Participants at the ‘No Kings’ national protest in West Palm Beach, Fla. on Oct. 18, 2025.
Chandan Khanna/AFP via Getty Images
The demonstrations remained largely peaceful throughout the day. Law enforcement officials in New York City and Washington, D.C., where some of the largest crowds gathered, reported no arrests related to the protests.
Governors Glenn Youngkin of Virginia and Greg Abbott of Texas deployed their states’ National Guard units in anticipation of the events.
Youngkin’s spokesperson, Peter Finocchio, stated, “The Governor has authorized active duty training to ensure the Guard is prepared to assist in maintaining public safety if necessary.”
According to the Texas Newsroom, Governor Abbott announced the deployment of the National Guard to Austin, emphasizing, “Violence and destruction will never be tolerated in Texas.” State troopers were also stationed at Capitol entrances conducting bag inspections, though protesters noted the security presence was less intense than during the June No Kings protests.
The Austin Police Department confirmed that Saturday’s rally concluded peacefully without any arrests.
Contributions to this report were made by NPR’s Joel Rose and KQED’s Brian Krans.
