Nationwide 'No Kings' Protests Draw Millions Opposing Trump's Policies

On October 18, 2025, millions of Americans participated in 'No Kings' protests across the nation, expressing opposition to President Donald Trump's policies and perceived authoritarianism. Organized by a coalition including the American Civil Liberties Union and Indivisible, over 2,600 events were held in all 50 states, with major gatherings in cities like New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Los Angeles.

In Washington, D.C., a survey revealed that 86% of protesters were white, 57% were women, and the median age was 44. Most identified as politically left-leaning, with 29% identifying as very left, 47% as left, and 13% as slightly left. The majority of attendees learned about the protest through friends or Instagram.

The protests were largely peaceful, featuring marching bands, large banners, and demonstrators in creative costumes. In Portland, Oregon, tens of thousands gathered downtown, with some later confronting federal agents at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building, leading to the use of tear gas to disperse the crowd.

President Trump responded by sharing an AI-generated video depicting himself in a jet labeled 'KING TRUMP,' dumping sludge on protesters while the song 'Danger Zone' played. Musician Kenny Loggins criticized the unauthorized use of his song, demanding its removal.

Republican leaders dismissed the protests, with House Speaker Mike Johnson calling them 'Hate America' rallies and linking participants to 'antifa' and labeling them as anti-American.

Despite the dismissals, organizers emphasized the protests' focus on democratic values and opposition to perceived authoritarianism. Lisa Gilbert, co-president of Public Citizen, stated, 'In America, we don't have a king in America, we're a democracy.'