Yesterday, on October 18, thousands of people came out on the streets in cities across America. They were part of the second wave of “No Kings” rallies. These protests are against President Donald Trump’s tough rules on immigration, cuts in government programs, and what many call too much power in his hands. From big places like New York and Los Angeles to smaller towns like Macon in Georgia, people waved copies of the U.S. Constitution and shouted against what they see as attacks on democracy. Pictures of folks dressed as the Statue of Liberty and groups from all walks of life are going viral on X and TikTok. This shows how people are fighting back after the elections. Let’s look at what happened and why it’s a big deal.
What Are the “No Kings” Protests All About?
The “No Kings” movement started as a way to say no one in America is above the law, not even the president. It got its name from the idea that America broke away from kings long ago and should stay that way. This time, the protests were bigger than the first ones in June. Organizers say millions joined in over 2,500 events across all 50 states. One group even claimed 7 million people showed up, making it the largest protest in U.S. history. But some reports put the number lower, around 650,000 to a few million. No matter the exact count, it was huge and peaceful, with no big trouble reported.
People are upset about Trump’s actions since he took office again. His team has started big crackdowns on immigrants without papers, sending troops to cities and cutting funds for things like health care and food help for the poor. Protesters say this is like a king making rules without checking with others. They chanted things like “No kings, no dictators” and held signs saying “We the People, not We the President.” In many places, families came with kids, and old folks joined too. It felt like a mix of anger and hope, with music and speeches keeping everyone going.
Key Places Where Protests Happened
The rallies were everywhere, from coast to coast. In New York City, Times Square was packed with over 100,000 people. They had a big Statue of Liberty puppet holding a sign that said “No Kings!” Police said everything stayed calm, and traffic opened up after. Los Angeles saw huge crowds at City Hall, where stars like Ben Stiller and Jamie Lee Curtis showed up to speak. “We love our country too much to let it become a kingdom,” one actor said.
Smaller towns joined in too. In Macon, Georgia, hundreds gathered in a park, waving flags and constitutions. “We’re not big like New York, but our voices matter,” a local mom told reporters. Chicago, hit hard by immigration raids, had marches with signs against family separations. Seattle had fun costumes, like a giant puppet of Lady Liberty with boxing gloves, ready to fight back. Even in red states like Texas, places like Austin had strong turnouts. In Washington, D.C., near the White House, speakers like Mehdi Hasan gave fiery talks. “I’m here because I love America and its diversity,” he said.
Overseas, some Americans in Europe held small rallies too, showing the world is watching. All these events stayed non-violent, just like the first wave where almost no arrests happened. That’s a point protesters make – real change comes from peace, not chaos.
Why Are People Protesting Trump’s Policies?
At the heart of it, folks are worried about Trump’s ways. His immigration crackdown has led to raids in cities, splitting families and scaring communities. “I served in the military, but now I don’t know what’s happening,” said a veteran at a rally in Arizona. Cuts to federal programs mean less help for schools, health, and food for needy people. Protesters say this hurts everyday Americans while giving more power to the rich.
Then there’s the talk of executive overreach – Trump using his office to make big changes without Congress saying yes. Like sending National Guard to Democratic cities or ignoring court orders. “He thinks he’s a king,” said one sign in Kansas City. The movement started after Trump’s win, but it grew fast because of these steps. Organizers from groups like No Kings.org say it’s about saving democracy. “America has no kings; power is with the people,” their website says.
Many join because they feel the country is changing too fast in a bad way. Women, immigrants, and young people are leading, but it’s diverse – black, white, Latino, Asian. “Our diversity is our strength,” chanted crowds in Chicago. Some worry about more cuts coming, like to Medicaid or education. It’s not just talk; people share stories of lost jobs or scared families.
What People at the Protests Are Saying
To understand better, let’s hear from those there. A teacher in Seattle said, “Cuts to schools mean our kids suffer. We won’t let that happen without a fight.” In New York, a mom with her kids added, “I want my children to grow up in a free country, not under one man’s rule.”
Organizers are clear too. One leader from No Kings said, “This is peaceful resistance against abuse of power. We’re showing the world America stands for freedom.” Even celebrities chimed in. Ben Stiller at the LA rally joked, “No kings, but maybe a few queens for equality!” But seriously, he said, “We love our nation and won’t let it slide into darkness.”
On the other side, Republicans mostly stayed quiet. But some like George Conway came out strong. At the D.C. rally, he said he’s with Antifa – meaning anti-fascist – against Trump’s ways. Trump himself posted an AI video mocking the protests, but didn’t say much else. His team calls the rallies “fake outrage” from liberals.
A common person from Florida told news, “I’m not hating; I’m loving my country. That’s why I’m here.” These words show it’s about heart, not just politics.
How Social Media Made It Bigger
X and TikTok are full of protest videos and pics. #NoKings is trending with millions of views. People share clips of chants, costumes, and speeches. One viral video from Chicago shows a guy saying “grab a gun and shoot ICE agents,” but most are peaceful. Memes make fun of Trump as a king, while supporters call protesters “losers.”
On X, posts like “7 million strong – largest protest ever” got lots of likes. But some say the numbers are fake, using old pics from 2017. Still, the buzz helps the movement grow. Young folks on TikTok dance with signs, making it fun and spreading the message fast. “America will not go quietly,” one post said.
The Background: How It All Started
Trump won the election last year, promising big changes. But his quick moves on immigration and cuts upset many. The first “No Kings” protests in June drew 2 to 4.8 million people. They were peaceful, proving the point – no violence, just voices.
This second wave is even bigger, with over 2,500 events. It’s organized by groups like No Kings and backed by progressives. They worry about things like Project 2025, a plan some say gives too much power to the president. With the government shutdown going on, cuts hit hard. Immigration raids in places like Chicago and LA add fuel.
America has a history of protests – from civil rights to women’s marches. This fits that, showing people care about democracy.
What Could Happen Next?
These protests might push Congress to act against Trump’s plans. But with Republicans in control, it’s tough. Organizers say more rallies are coming if things don’t change. “We’re not stopping,” one said.
For Trump, it’s a challenge. His supporters call it “liberal tears,” but big crowds show real anger. If protests stay peaceful, they could win more hearts. But if things turn bad, it might hurt the cause.
In the end, it’s about what America stands for – no kings, just people deciding together.
FAQs on “No Kings” Protests 2025
Q1: What is the “No Kings” movement?
A: It’s a group of protests saying no one, even the president, is above the law. Started after Trump’s win, it fights against his tough immigration rules, cuts to help programs, and too much use of power. The name comes from America’s fight against kings long ago.
Q2: When and where did the latest protests happen?
A: On October 18, 2025, over 2,500 rallies across all U.S. states. Big ones in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle, and smaller towns like Macon. Even some abroad in Europe.
Q3: How many people joined?
A: Reports say from 650,000 to 7 million. Organizers claim it’s the biggest protest ever in America. All were peaceful, with no big arrests.
Q4: Why are people protesting Trump?
A: Main reasons are immigration raids splitting families, cuts to health and food programs, and executive orders that skip Congress. They call it anti-democratic.
Q5: Were the protests peaceful?
A: Yes, like the first wave in June. No violence reported, even with huge crowds. Police in New York said over 100,000 there with no issues.
Q6: What’s next for the movement?
A: Organizers plan more if Trump’s actions continue. They want laws to check presidential power and protect programs.