On Saturday, October 18, 2025, cities across the United States—and even some beyond its borders—are bracing for what could become one of the largest protest movements in American history. Under the banner of the No Kings movement, millions are expected to gather in more than 2,500 peaceful demonstrations to denounce President Donald Trump and his administration’s sweeping policies on immigration, healthcare, policing, and more. What started as a symbolic slogan has now evolved into a formidable show of dissent, with organizers and ordinary citizens alike determined to push back against what they see as an alarming slide toward authoritarianism.
According to organizers cited by The American Prospect, the scope of Saturday’s protests is unprecedented. Events are planned in every U.S. state, with anchor rallies set for cities like New Orleans, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, Atlanta, Bozeman, Kansas City, and Washington, D.C. The demonstrations aren’t just limited to the U.S.—solidarity events are also scheduled in Europe and Canada, reflecting the international concern over America’s political trajectory.
The No Kings movement first made national headlines on June 14, 2025, when millions took to the streets in a day of protest that coincided with Flag Day, the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, and President Trump’s 79th birthday. That initial event, organized in partnership with groups like Black Voters Matter, the ACLU, Federal Workers Against DOGE, and Indivisible, managed to overshadow a massive military parade in Washington, D.C., which organizers saw as an attempt by Trump to stage a "coronation." Estimates of attendance for that day vary, with organizers placing the number at around three million participants and data journalist G. Elliott Morris suggesting as many as six million—nearly two percent of the U.S. population.
Since then, the movement has only grown. As NewsOne reports, the October 18 protests are expected to surpass the scale of the June events, with more than 2,000 demonstrations registered nationwide. In North Carolina alone, seven separate rallies are planned for the Charlotte area, organized by volunteers and groups such as Indivisible CLT and seven community partners. The Charlotte rallies, like others across the country, are scheduled at various times throughout the day and emphasize nonviolence, with organizers urging participants to avoid bringing weapons and to help deescalate any potential confrontations.
The grievances fueling the No Kings protests are as varied as they are urgent. Chief among them are the Trump administration’s policies on immigration, which have led to the detention of 59,762 people in 2025 alone, the highest number in U.S. history. According to The American Prospect, at least 18 people have died in these detention facilities this year, many by suicide, and the vast majority of those detained have no criminal convictions. Protesters also cite the administration’s ongoing government shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, as a major point of contention. The shutdown has already resulted in the layoffs of nearly 4,000 federal workers, according to the BBC, with the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) calling it "another authoritarian power grab by this administration."
Healthcare is another flashpoint. The No Kings movement has sharply criticized Trump’s efforts to dismantle Medicare, Medicaid, and other public programs, all while pushing through tax cuts for billionaires. Cuts to environmental protections, education, and the social safety net have further galvanized opposition, as have attempts at gerrymandering and alleged efforts to interfere with elections. As one statement on the No Kings website puts it: "The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty."
Lisa Gilbert, co-president of the nonprofit Public Citizen and a key organizer of the rallies, told The American Prospect, "If you are cynical, you might not understand the utility of simply standing together and showing the massive agreement in this moment around our disdain for a president who believes he is a king." She emphasized the importance of civic participation, urging those new to activism to take even a small step—attending a rally, calling a senator, or simply standing with others in solidarity. "We’ve seen in other countries in the world that the thing that enabled people to fight back was an activated populace. That’s what we’re trying to achieve here, just this groundswell of activation."
Each city’s protest is expected to have its own unique character. In Sacramento, for instance, the focus is on building long-term political power and supporting Proposition 50, which would redraw congressional maps to give Democrats an advantage in the 2026 midterms. Ellen Chapman, a planning committee member for the Sacramento protest and a leader in Indivisible, explained, "We need a big tent of opposition. Previously we have been focused on contacting your elected officials—those are your windows into power. Now the group is showing how to go beyond that and modeling the possibilities with its choice of speakers." Chapman added, "We’re hoping for a day where people come together and find courage for what’s to come, to know they can say no to all this in a safe and nonviolent way and that they’re not alone."
Safety is a paramount concern for organizers, especially after a tragic shooting at a June No Kings march in Salt Lake City and incidents involving armed counter-protesters. To address these risks, all event hosts must attend mandatory safety and de-escalation training, with additional volunteers serving as safety marshals throughout the crowds. Thadd Selden, a safety lead for the Sacramento rally, explained, "The biggest thing is pay attention, stay calm, and go to the safety people if you see any disturbances. We’re expecting it to be a very positive event. If you spend most of your time doomscrolling, it’s very easy to get overwhelmed by the news. Being among people who care about the same things and who are passionate about it is very energizing."
Despite the movement’s emphasis on peaceful protest, the Trump administration and its supporters have sought to discredit the rallies, labeling them "hate America rallies" and suggesting they are funded by shadowy interests. The administration has also reportedly launched investigations into groups like Indivisible and other liberal organizations, a move critics say is designed to stifle dissent.
Yet, for many of those preparing to march on October 18, the risks are outweighed by the urgent need to stand up for democratic norms and basic human rights. The No Kings movement’s message is clear: Americans will not accept authoritarianism, and they are willing to take to the streets—by the millions, if necessary—to make their voices heard.
As the nation heads into another uncertain weekend, one thing is certain: the No Kings protests have tapped into a deep well of frustration, resolve, and hope. For organizers and participants alike, Saturday’s demonstrations represent not just a rebuke of one administration, but a powerful affirmation of the principle that, in America, there are no kings—only citizens determined to defend their democracy.
