On Saturday, massive crowds gathered in cities throughout the United States for “No Kings” demonstrations. Participants voiced their strong opposition to what they view as the government’s rapid shift towards authoritarianism under President Donald Trump.
From New York City’s Times Square to parks in Boston, Atlanta, and Chicago, thousands of people assembled, carrying signs emblazoned with powerful slogans like “Nothing is more patriotic than protesting” and “Resist Fascism.” Marches unfolded in Washington and downtown Los Angeles, while smaller groups picketed outside state capitols in various Republican-led states, a courthouse in Billings, Montana, and numerous other public venues.
For context, consider: Why has the U.S. government shutdown?
While President Trump’s Republican Party dismissed these gatherings as “Hate America” rallies, many of the events resembled vibrant street parties. The atmosphere featured marching bands, a colossal banner displaying the U.S. Constitution’s “We The People” preamble available for signatures, and demonstrators donning inflatable costumes – notably, frogs, a growing symbol of resistance in Portland, Oregon.
This marked the third significant mobilization since President Trump’s return to the White House. These protests occurred amidst a government shutdown that has not only halted federal programs and services but also challenged the fundamental balance of power. Organizers warn that an assertive executive’s confrontations with Congress and the courts signal a dangerous slide toward authoritarianism.
In Washington, Shawn Howard, an Iraq War Marine veteran, shared that this was his first protest. He felt compelled to participate due to what he perceives as the Trump administration’s “disregard for the law.” Howard specifically cited immigration detentions lacking due process and the deployment of troops in American cities as “un-American” and deeply concerning indicators of democratic erosion.
Demonstrators in costume gathered for a “No Kings” protest against U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies outside City Hall in Los Angeles, California, on October 18, 2025.
“I dedicated my service to fighting for freedom and against extremism overseas,” Howard stated, mentioning his two decades at the CIA on counter-extremism operations. “Now, I observe a period in America where extremist ideologies are widespread, and I believe they are driving us towards a form of civil conflict.”
Meanwhile, President Trump spent the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.
“They claim they are calling me a king. I am not a king,” the President asserted in a Fox News interview that aired early Friday, prior to his departure for a high-profile $1 million-per-plate MAGA Inc fundraiser held at his private club.
Echoes of Dissent Across the Nation
In San Francisco, hundreds of individuals formed a human art display on Ocean Beach, spelling out “No King!” and other defiant messages. Hayley Wingard, participating while dressed as the Statue of Liberty, admitted this was her first protest. She explained that she had only recently begun to see Trump as a “dictator.”
Wingard elaborated, “I was generally fine until I learned about the military deployments in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Portland. Portland particularly disturbed me because it’s my hometown, and I strongly oppose having the military presence in our cities. It’s genuinely frightening.”
In Salt Lake City, demonstrators convened outside the Utah State Capitol, sharing messages of hope and promoting healing. This gathering followed a tragic incident in June, where a protester was fatally shot during the city’s inaugural “No Kings” march.
Further south, over 1,500 people converged in Birmingham, Alabama, a city steeped in a rich history of protest and a pivotal location during the Civil Rights Movement two generations prior.
“It truly feels like we are living in an America I no longer recognize,” expressed Jessica Yother, a mother of four. She and fellow protesters found a sense of unity by demonstrating in a state where Trump secured nearly 65% of the vote last November.
New York police confirmed that no arrests were made during the protests.