On Saturday, October 18, 2025, an estimated 7 million people took to the streets across the United States to participate in the second round of "No Kings" protests, a nationwide demonstration against the administration of President Donald Trump. According to organizers, the protests spanned over 2,700 events in all 50 states, making it one of the largest coordinated protests in recent memory. Despite the massive turnout, the protests were largely peaceful, with police reporting minimal incident or arrests, even in major urban centers.
Why Protesters Took to the Streets: Trump’s Policies, Immigration, and Healthcare
The “No Kings” rallies were a direct response to a series of Trump administration policies that demonstrators say threaten the nation’s democratic values. Protesters voiced outrage over a range of issues, including the administration’s immigration crackdown, the recent ICE raids, troop deployments in U.S. cities, and the impact of federal program cuts, particularly those affecting healthcare programs and Medicaid. The protests also coincided with a federal government shutdown, which further fueled the sentiments of frustration and discontent.
Protests Across Major Cities: Nationwide Political Activism
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Chicago: The city at the heart of Trump’s aggressive immigration policies saw thousands of demonstrators march with homemade signs and “Hands Off Chicago” posters. Many waved upside-down American flags and Mexican and Pride flags, signaling their opposition to the administration’s handling of immigration raids and healthcare cuts.
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Los Angeles: In Los Angeles, protesters gathered in inflatable costumes, some waving American, Pride, and Mexican flags. The atmosphere felt more like a "block party" than a traditional protest. One protester, wearing a unicorn costume, explained that the costume represented "the diversity and culture of LA" and served to de-escalate any potential tensions with law enforcement. This playful yet poignant response aimed to show that the protest was peaceful and community-driven, in contrast to Trump’s characterization of protests as "war zones."
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Washington, D.C.: Federal employees, both current and former, took to Pennsylvania Avenue, joining the chorus of voices calling for less divisive political rhetoric. The protest, occurring on the 18th day of the government shutdown, saw furloughed federal employees voice concerns about job security and their ability to meet financial obligations.
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New York City: The demonstration in Times Square, already a bustling area, saw crowds stretch for several blocks. Among the protesters was a woman who had been active in demonstrations since the 1960s. Holding a sign that read, “We protest because we love America, and we want it back,” she voiced her concerns about the erosion of democratic principles.
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Atlanta: In Georgia's capital, the protests paid homage to the city’s deep civil rights history. The rally highlighted a collective desire to safeguard democracy, reject hate, and carry forward the legacy of civil rights activists who had marched for justice in the past.
Unique Moments from the Los Angeles Protest: Fun Meets Political Resistance
While each protest had its own character, the Los Angeles rally stood out due to the lighthearted yet powerful tone set by the demonstrators. Protesters danced in costumes ranging from unicorns to inflatable frogs, while salsa bands added to the festive atmosphere. Some protesters even waved the manga pirate flag from the Japanese anime One Piece, symbolizing solidarity with youth-led protest movements worldwide. One protester explained that the inflatable costumes helped maintain a friendly, non-confrontational atmosphere, making it harder for anyone to label the gathering as chaotic or violent.
Los Angeles protesters emphasized their desire for autonomy, with one demonstrator proclaiming, "We take care of ourselves. We don’t need ICE or any other outside authority doing that."
Protests Amid Political Gridlock: Government Shutdown and Trump’s Policies
These demonstrations come at a time when political tensions in Washington, D.C. have reached a fever pitch. With the federal government shutdown and a political impasse between GOP lawmakers and the White House, many see these protests as a direct challenge to what they perceive as the administration’s authoritarian style of governance. The political gridlock has only intensified the sense of urgency felt by demonstrators.
For many, these protests are about more than just disagreement with Trump’s policies—they represent a fight to preserve the core values that many feel are under attack. The “No Kings” movement aims to reclaim what they see as a loss of democratic freedom, with a rallying cry that democracy should never be subject to a king or autocrat. With nearly 7 million voices now joined in protest, this movement shows no sign of backing down.
A Call for Unity: Protecting Democracy, Rejecting Hate
In cities across the U.S., the protests have not just been a show of opposition, but also an invitation for unity. As protesters continue to voice their concerns, they seek to create a dialogue about the future of democracy in America. As one protester from Washington, D.C., put it: "We are here for the future of our children, for the future of our country."
Whether through peaceful marches or festive gatherings, the “No Kings” protests are a powerful reminder of the importance of civic engagement and the will of the people. While the political future of the U.S. remains uncertain, the overwhelming turnout on Saturday shows that many are ready to continue the fight for a democratic future, where no one is above the law.
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