Millions of Americans took to the streets on Saturday, October 18, under the banner “No Kings”, in what has become one of the largest waves of protest since Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
Demonstrations erupted in over 2,500 cities and towns across the country, denouncing what protesters call the President’s “authoritarian governance,” mass deportations, and erosion of democratic institutions.
The largest rally took place in Washington D.C., where more than 200,000 demonstrators filled the streets holding banners reading “Democracy, not Trumpocracy.” Protesters accused Trump of undermining American democracy and deepening political division through heavy-handed tactics and executive overreach.
In Boston, thousands gathered peacefully to protest the growing concentration of power in the presidency, with music, speeches, and creative displays calling for a return to constitutional norms. The event was part of a broader coalition effort uniting groups such as Indivisible, ACLU, MoveOn, AFL-CIO, and the Democratic Socialists of America. The unifying slogan “No Kings” symbolized opposition to authoritarianism and the defense of democratic values.
In Chicago, over 100,000 people joined the movement. The city has been a flashpoint of tension following Trump’s call for the imprisonment of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, whom he accused of obstructing federal immigration enforcement. The President’s deployment of military forces to Chicago under “Operation Midway Blitz” sparked outrage, with a federal judge later ordering the withdrawal of troops, citing violations of citizens’ constitutional rights.
Prominent Democratic figures including Senator Chuck Schumer and former Vice President Kamala Harris addressed rallies across the country, voicing support for the demonstrators. “Don’t let Trump and the Republicans silence you,” Schumer posted on X, urging Americans to “make their voices heard.” Hollywood actor Robert De Niro also appeared at the New York rally, drawing cheers from the crowd.
In Forest Hills, New York, protesters chanted “We love our country, we won’t tolerate Trump,” as thousands flooded the streets. One participant, 36-year-old Stephanie, said, “This president is a disgrace, and I hope millions are marching today.”
The White House condemned the protests as “anti-American,” while President Trump insisted he has no intention of becoming “a king,” dismissing accusations of authoritarianism as “hysterical.”
Since his return to office, Trump has used executive orders to bypass Congress, dismantle federal agencies, impose sweeping tariffs, and deploy National Guard units against the will of state governors. While Trump claims these moves are necessary to “rebuild a nation in crisis,” critics warn that his actions represent a dangerous slide toward autocracy.
The “No Kings” movement, now representing more than 300 affiliated organizations, has vowed to continue mobilizing until “democracy is restored and tyranny is defeated.”
