Second No Kings protests sweep US streets as millions rally against Trump's administration and policies

The second No Kings Day protest was organized nationwide across the United States on Saturday against the Trump administration. IMAGE DISTRIBUTED FOR NATIONAL NURSES UNITED – Cathy Kennedy, RN, President, National Nurses United, speaks at the No Kings Rally in San Francisco on Saturday, October 18, 2025. (Don Feria/AP Content Services for National Nurses United)(AP) The second No Kings protest was organized in most US states on Saturday. The nationwide protests are taking place against the President of the United States, Donald Trump. The protesters believe that Trump behaves more like a dictator or monarch instead of a democratic leader. This is the second wave of nationwide No Kings protests, organized by progressive organizations that oppose Trump’s agenda. House Speaker Mike Johnson said the protest was a “hate America rally” and other Republicans also labeled it “anti-American.” Connecticut House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora told NPR that the protests were divisive, but residents can exercise their right to organize protests. “I think our democracy is still as strong as ever — but, you know, they’re free to express themselves,” Candelora told the publication. Actor John Cusack supported the protesters on Saturday when he attended the demonstration in Chicago. The actor said that the Trump administration could ‘Go to hell!’. The actor went on to mention that Trump doesn’t understand Chicago, according to The Independent. What is the No Kings protest? The goal behind the organizations joining hands in protest is to denigrate what they describe as Trump’s ‘authoritarian’ agenda. The No Kings protest is therefore also known as the No Tyrant or No Monarch Day. The first round of No Kings protests was organized five months into Trump’s second term as the US president. Protesters opposed the administration’s decisions on issues such as birthright citizenship, federal diversity, protections for transgender people, inclusion initiatives, and more. The second wave of protests was fueled by rising tensions over immigration raids. Protesters cited widespread immigration detentions carried out by often masked Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Additionally, protesters raised their voices against the Trump administration’s obstruction of environmental protections and federal education resources. The second wave of protests included more than 2,500 demonstrations in all 50 states of America, which is 450 more than initially planned in June. Peaceful Protests Despite criticism from Republicans and the Trump administration, the protests were fairly peaceful and colorful. In many cities such as Portland and Los Angeles, protesters have been spotted wearing inflatable animal costumes and singing and dancing with placards in their hands, thus giving a message of hope. The No Kings protest upholds the idea that America was founded in opposition to monarchy and should be governed democratically. Frequently Asked Questions What is the point of the No Kings protest? The No King’s Day protests are a series of protests against Donald Trump’s administration and its policies, which the protesters say are undemocratic. Do you need a permit to protest in the US? No, one does not need a permit to protest in the US as long as the traffic and pedestrian flow is not disturbed. Were there many people at the No King’s Day protest? Yes, millions of people (about 5 million) joined the No King’s Day protest on Saturday.