‘No Kings’ protests against Trump bring a street party vibe to America’s fictitious ‘war zones’
Protesting the direction of the country under President Donald Trump, people gathered Saturday in the nation’s capital and communities big and small across the U.S. for “No Kings” demonstrations that the president’s Republican Party disparaged as “Hate America” rallies.
With signs such as “Nothing is more patriotic than protesting” or “Resist Fascism,” in many places the events looked more like a street party. There were marching bands, a huge banner with the U.S. Constitution’s “We The People” preamble that people could sign, and demonstrators wearing inflatable costumes, particularly frogs, which have emerged as a sign of resistance in Portland, Oregon.
It was the third mass mobilization since Trump’s return to the White House and came against the backdrop of a government shutdown that not only has closed federal programs and services but is testing the core balance of power, as an aggressive executive confronts Congress and the courts in ways that protest organizers warn are a slide toward authoritarianism.
Trump himself was spending the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida. [Continue reading…]
Happening Now: Thousands out for a “No Kings” protest in Chicago
— Brendan Gutenschwager (@bgonthescene.bsky.social) Oct 18, 2025 at 1:51 PM
The majority of the No Kings protests have dispersed at this time and all traffic closures have been lifted.
We had more than 100,000 people across all five boroughs peacefully exercising their first amendment rights and the NYPD made zero protest-related arrests.
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) October 18, 2025
BOSTON! #NoKingsOct18 #NoKingsInAmerica pic.twitter.com/X2J2mU2Wwl
— Lincoln Square (@LincolnSquareHQ) October 18, 2025
This is what democracy looks like. No Kings Protest and March in Austin TX, Oct 2025. A protest for the power of the people, support of the constitution, and NO KINGS since 1776 in America. #NoKings #Protest pic.twitter.com/q7X2DIj2HH
— 🤍 (@LoveRunandPray) October 18, 2025
BREAKING: This is in Trump's back yard. Washington DC No Kings Day Protest. This is just the start of the day.
It is absolutely unbelievable how many people are turning out for this. I love how everyone is staying peaceful. It's exactly what Trump doesn't want.
— Krassensteins (@krassenstein.bsky.social) Oct 18, 2025 at 12:22 PM
The ‘No Kings’ march is underway in Portland, Oregon
(David Medina)
— Resist 🕎🍉 (@antizionistjew.bsky.social) Oct 18, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Fascism expert Jason Stanley warns that the Trump administration is increasing its aggressive rhetoric, despite it being deeply unpopular. “Maybe they think they have enough of the levers of power that it no longer matters what people think.” But importantly, the more extreme the messaging becomes, the more civil society is beginning to push back: