Millions of Americans flooded streets across all 50 states on Saturday, October 18, for what organizers called the “No Kings” protests; a massive show of opposition to President Donald Trump’s leadership style and policies. With crowds estimated between 5 and 7 million nationwide, the event surpassed any other political protest in U.S. history.
According to Reuters, more than 2,600 rallies took place from major cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles to small towns and suburbs. Organizers said the goal was to send a unified message that “America doesn’t have kings,” referencing what they see as a growing concentration of power in the executive branch.
“This is about democracy,” said Leah Greenberg, co-founder of the activist group Indivisible. “There is nothing more American than standing up and saying that no one is above the people.”
Despite the enormous scale, most gatherings remained peaceful. Marchers carried hand-painted signs reading “No Kings in America” and “Democracy Demands Dissent.” Streets were filled with families, veterans, students, and retirees. Many described the atmosphere as energetic yet deeply emotional.
“I came because I’m scared for the future of my country,” said Lisa Doula, 53, of Jersey City. “I love this place, and I’m not ready to give up on it.”
In Chicago, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker addressed demonstrators, saying, “Tyranny requires silence. Democracy requires courage.” In Washington, D.C., Senator Bernie Sanders told the crowd, “Millions across the country showed up today not because they hate America, but because they love America.”
Republican leaders, meanwhile, largely dismissed the protests as politically driven. President Trump referred to them as “a staged performance by the radical left,” while House Speaker Mike Johnson said the demonstrations “do nothing but divide the country.” The White House released a brief statement calling the protests “peaceful expressions of free speech” and assuring that “law enforcement will continue to ensure public safety and protect the rights of all Americans.”
Analysts say the turnout demonstrates the persistence of grassroots activism nearly a decade after the first Women’s March and the Black Lives Matter protests. “This is likely the largest single-day political protest ever recorded,” Morris wrote on his website. “It shows how widespread the concern over democratic erosion has become.”
Whether the momentum will last is unclear. Previous mass demonstrations have often struggled to produce immediate policy change. Still, organizers of the “No Kings” movement say this is just the beginning.
“We’re not going home,” Greenberg told reporters. “We’re organizing, voting, and showing that this country belongs to the people, not to one man.”
With millions marching under the same message, the “No Kings” protests have become a defining moment of 2025. A reminder that in America, power is meant to be shared, not ruled.
