Updated October 18, 2025 at 10:48 PM EDT
On Saturday, demonstrators across the United States gathered to express their discontent with President Trump’s policies, with many accusing him of assuming a monarchical role rather than acting as an elected leader.
Organized by No Kings, a coalition of progressive groups, this protest marks the second significant wave of demonstrations against Trump’s administration. With events held in approximately 2,600 locations nationwide, organizers anticipated millions of participants.
In the heart of New York City, Times Square became a focal point as protesters, some brandishing signs declaring “resist the fascists traitors” and “No crowns, No kings,” mingled with Broadway attendees, according to Gothamist.
No Kings, having previously mobilized millions in June, reiterated its commitment to challenging the administration. “In June, we did what many claimed was impossible: peacefully mobilized millions of people to take to the streets and declare with one voice: America has No Kings,” the group stated on its website.
The June protests coincided with a military parade celebrating the Army’s 250th anniversary and Trump’s 79th birthday. Critics argued the parade was more about Trump’s self-aggrandizement than honoring the military, as noted in a report.
No Kings emphasized ongoing issues such as aggressive immigration tactics, education budget cuts, and environmental rollbacks. They also pointed to gerrymandering and other concerns attributed to the Trump administration.
Protests were notably large in Washington, D.C., where demonstrators lined Pennsylvania Avenue, holding signs stating “No Kings, No Tyrants” and wearing yellow to symbolize unity. Senator Bernie Sanders addressed the crowd, criticizing tech billionaires like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg for accumulating wealth during Trump’s presidency, as shared in a speech.
One protester, Uriah Kitchen from Delaware, highlighted the patriotic nature of the protests, stating, “This is why we’re here, we’re here to protect America.”
Meanwhile, President Trump was at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida during the demonstrations. D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department reported no arrests, according to Lt. Patrick Loftus.
In Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson addressed a cheering crowd, denouncing the Trump administration’s stance on the city. He declared, “We will not bend, we will not bow, we will not cower, we will not submit to the authoritarianism that is coming down!”
The Trump administration has sought Supreme Court approval to deploy National Guard troops in Illinois, a move previously blocked by lower courts.
Across the nation, participants continued to express their grievances. In San Pablo, California, Maria Floriano likened immigration to butterflies, describing it as “beautiful” and “an act of courage.”
In Sarasota, Florida, Jim Rosinus emphasized the nonpartisan nature of the protests, noting, “There are a lot of Republicans who are just fed up with where their party is going and what’s happening.”
Republican Governors Glenn Youngkin of Virginia and Greg Abbott of Texas mobilized their states’ National Guards ahead of the protests, with Abbott stating, “Violence and destruction will never be tolerated in Texas.”
In Texas, Jenny Colombo expressed her dissatisfaction with Trump, holding a sign reading “The Emperor Has No Clothes” and noting that people are “supporting him blindly.”
Despite tensions, the day remained largely peaceful. New York City police estimated 100,000 attendees across the city, with no arrests reported.
Jim Chapdelaine, a No Kings organizer in Connecticut, stressed the importance of peaceful protest, saying, “It’s really important to build community and solidarity and unity, [and] especially important to do that in a very peaceful way.” Speaking to Connecticut Public, he encouraged ongoing activism.
NPR’s Joel Rose, KQED reporter Brian Krans, MPR’s Dana Ferguson, KUER’s Martha Harris and WGCU’s Mike Braun contributed reporting.
Copyright 2025 NPR
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