This is a crucial moment for democracy in the United States, as millions prepare to protest the rise of authoritarianism under the Trump administration. On Saturday, citizens from all 50 states will come together for the No Kings protests, sending a clear message that the U.S. does not recognize any form of kingship, particularly not one that threatens democratic values.
Anticipation is building for what is expected to be a massive turnout, with millions expected to participate in this second round of demonstrations organized by a coalition known as No Kings. This movement captures the energy of previous protests, including those in June, which were among the largest gatherings in U.S. history focused on political dissent. Over 2,700 events are set to unfold, ranging from small towns to metropolitan hubs, showcasing a diverse coalition of voices united against perceived authoritarianism.
Under President Trump’s administration, there has been a notable effort to increase federal oversight in U.S. cities. This has included deploying federal troops and increasing the presence of immigration agents as part of a crackdown on dissent. He has targeted leftist organizations, framing them as threats that support terrorism or incite violence. In response, many cities have mounted legal challenges against these heavy-handed tactics, and local residents have actively protested the militarization of their neighborhoods.
Interestingly, Trump's allies have attempted to label the No Kings protests as unpatriotic or as the work of the antifa movement—a decentralized group opposing fascism—while asserting that such protests are hampering efforts to resolve the ongoing government shutdown. In a decisive move, Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has announced plans to deploy the state’s national guard to Austin in anticipation of the protests, stirring further controversy around government response to civil dissent.
Prominent political figures, including Democratic Senators Chuck Schumer and Chris Murphy, as well as Independent Senator Bernie Sanders, are expected to lend their support by attending the No Kings protests. The coalition has emphasized its dedication to nonviolent methods, with thousands of participants undergoing training in safety and de-escalation techniques to ensure a peaceful expression of their beliefs.
Lisa Gilbert, co-president of Public Citizen, one of the organizing groups, articulated the underlying message of the protests; she stated, "What’s most important is that the president wants to instill fear in us, but we refuse to be intimidated into silence or fear. It’s crucial that people maintain their composure, stand confidently, and express their beliefs without being cowed by that fear."
More than 200 organizations have joined forces as official partners for the protests scheduled on October 18. Notable anchor cities for the events include Washington D.C., San Francisco, San Diego, Atlanta, New York City, Houston, Honolulu, Boston, Kansas City in Missouri, Bozeman in Montana, Chicago, and New Orleans.
The core message encapsulated by the No Kings protests is straightforward: in the United States, there are no kings. This is a direct critique of Trump’s perceived authoritarian overreach. Organizers have highlighted several key issues contributing to their call to action: Trump's alleged misuse of taxpayer funds for personal gain, deploying federal forces to assert control over American cities, his aspirations for a third term, and what critiques refer to as his monarchical behavior. Furthermore, they assert that the Trump administration has consistently overstepped judicial boundaries and compromised citizen rights, including due process in deportation cases.
Reflecting on the momentum built during the June protests, it’s estimated by the Harvard Crowd Counting Consortium that between 2 and 4.8 million individuals could be part of this weekend's demonstrations across more than 2,000 sites, marking it potentially as one of the largest single-day protests since Trump assumed office in January 2017, second only to the Women’s March that same year.
What do you think about these protests? Do you believe they will bring about real change, or do you think they may exacerbate existing tensions? Feel free to share your thoughts below!
And remember, while protests can be a powerful tool for change, this also raises questions about how dissent is perceived in our current political climate. Let’s discuss!
