Millions March Nationwide for No Kings Day Anti-Trump Protests

On October 18, 2025, millions of Americans participated in the second annual No Kings Day, a nationwide protest against the administration of President Donald Trump. Demonstrators gathered in cities and towns across the country, voicing their opposition to Trump’s policies, including the use of military troops in domestic settings and his ongoing immigration enforcement actions. Organizers reported over 2,600 planned nonviolent demonstrations, drawing crowds from major urban centers like New York City, Atlanta, and Chicago to smaller locales such as Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and Bismarck, North Dakota.

The inaugural No Kings Day coincided with Trump’s military parade on his 79th birthday in June, which further galvanized public dissent. Protesters condemned the deployment of National Guard troops in several cities and voiced concerns over the administration’s immigration policies, which have seen U.S. citizens caught up in raids across cities like Los Angeles and Chicago. At the Washington, D.C. rally, veteran Ben Grimes, 52, held a sign stating, “I Served America Not Autocracy.” Grimes expressed his fears regarding the country’s trajectory, stating, “We’re sliding very rapidly into autocracy and lawlessness.”

The march in the nation’s capital saw a diverse array of participants, including Ken and Peggy Greco, aged 72 and 69, who traveled from Augusta, Georgia, dressed in clown costumes with a sign reading, “Elect a Clown Expect a Circus.” Peggy Greco shared her sentiment, saying, “We came because we feel very powerless about what’s going on, and we have to do something.”

Across the nation, voices of concern echoed. In Lexington, Kentucky, 71-year-old Garcia O’Brien remarked, “I’m old, and I’ve never been scared for our democracy. I am now.” In Fargo, North Dakota, Ken Opheim wore a red hat with an anti-Trump message, emphasizing his discontent with the president’s actions.

Prominent figures joined the rallies, including Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock in Atlanta, actor John Cusack in Chicago, and Bill Nye in Washington, D.C. Senator Chris Murphy addressed the crowd, asserting, “He has not won yet; the people still rule in this country,” while criticizing Trump’s belief in his own authority.

The protests unfolded during a government shutdown that has raised questions about Trump’s governance. Since taking office for his second term on January 20, 2025, Trump has enacted controversial measures, such as a $20 billion bailout for Argentina while cutting billions in foreign aid and other domestic programs. His administration’s actions have drawn scrutiny from both sides of the aisle, including remarks from Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine, who suggested legal action regarding the administration’s impoundment of appropriated funds.

Demonstrators were particularly vocal about Trump’s invocation of the Alien Enemies Act, which allowed for the deportation of immigrants without due process, exemplified by the case of Kilmar Arego Garcia. Such actions have contributed to a growing sense of urgency among citizens concerned about civil liberties.

The No Kings Day movement, supported by nearly 300 partner organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the League of Women Voters, underscored a collective commitment to nonviolent protest against what participants perceive as an erosion of democracy.

While the protests took place, President Trump was absent from Washington, having left for his Florida residence the day before. His administration has characterized the demonstrations as anti-American, with House Speaker Mike Johnson labeling the event a “hate America rally.” Trump has also targeted progressive organizations in a broader campaign against dissent.

The large turnout for No Kings Day serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing political divide in the United States and the determination of many citizens to advocate for democratic principles. As protests continue, the impact of such movements on the political landscape remains to be seen.