Millions Mobilize: “No Kings” Protests Sweep the U.S.

On Saturday, October 18, 2025, protesters assembled in cities, towns and suburbs across the United States under the banner of the “No Kings” movement. According to reports, more than 2,600 rallies were planned nationwide as part of the campaign.

The movement is aimed explicitly at confronting what demonstrators say are authoritarian shifts in the administration of U.S President Donald Trump, particularly a centralization of power, aggressive immigration tactics and federal-enforcement actions that some view as undermining democratic norms.

“There is nothing more American than saying, ‘We don’t have kings’ and exercising our right to peacefully protest," Leah Greenberg, co-founder of the organization behind the event told reporters.

In Washington D.C., marchers filled streets near the U.S. Capitol carrying signs, flags and balloons, and in some cases wearing costumes and masks, in what reports described as a “carnival-style atmosphere”.

“I’m embarrassed that we have federal agents in masks arresting people in the streets. I’m embarrassed that we’re talking about using the military against civilians. I’m embarrassed that it’s OK to lie and make stuff up," a 70-year-old military veteran protester in Portland, Oregon said.

Protesters cite the use of federal and National Guard forces in cities and at immigration enforcement operations as a key concern.

They say the pace and scope of administration changes, in governance, agency staffing and enforcement, suggest a shift away from normal institutional checks and balances.

“We want to show our support for democracy and for fighting what is right. I’m against the overreach of power," a protester in Washington told reporters.

Critics have sought to paint the movement differently, with Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Mike Johnson, described the protests as a “hate America rally”.

Law-enforcement agencies maintained a low profile in many places such as Washington, where the event was described as “boisterous but orderly”.

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