Massive ‘No Kings’ Protests Sweep US: Organizers Claim 7 Million March Against Authoritarianism

October 19, 2025 — A second wave of the nationwide “No Kings” protests saw an unprecedented turnout on Saturday, October 18, with organizers claiming nearly seven million people participated in demonstrations across the United States.¹ The massive mobilization spanned over 2,700 cities and towns in all 50 states, from major metropolitan hubs to small communities, as Americans took to the streets to protest what they describe as authoritarian policies and the erosion of democratic norms under President Donald Trump’s second administration.

Key Details of the Historic Day of Action

The October 18 demonstration, dubbed “No Kings II,” built upon the momentum of the initial protest in June, which organizers estimated drew over five million people.² The central message, “America has no kings,” rejects the concept of unchecked executive power and presidential defiance of constitutional limits.³

Core Grievances and Themes:

• Authoritarianism and Abuse of Power: Protesters accused the Trump administration of increasingly acting like a “monarch,” citing the deployment of federal forces and National Guard troops in US cities, attempts to silence critics, and what they view as attacks on the free press and the judiciary.⁴

   

• Specific Policies: The protests targeted a range of Trump administration policies, including sweeping immigration enforcement raids (particularly by ICE), cuts to social programs and healthcare, and the current government shutdown, which was heading into its third week.⁵

   

• A Celebration of Democracy: Demonstrators emphasized the importance of citizenship, free speech, and civil liberties.⁶ Many wore yellow to symbolize unity and nonviolent resistance.⁷

   

Organizers and Coalition:

The protests were organized by a broad coalition of over 200 progressive groups. Key organizers included:

• Indivisible Project
• American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)⁸
  MoveOn
• 50501 Movement
• Major labor unions such as the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and Service Employees International Union (SEIU).⁹

   

Organizers were adamant about maintaining peaceful, nonviolent action and trained tens of thousands of participants in de-escalation techniques across the country.¹⁰

Across the Nation: Turnout and Incidents

Major cities reported huge crowds, including over 100,000 in New York City and estimated crowds of 100,000 in Chicago and 500,000 in San Francisco.¹¹ The movement also saw significant participation in traditionally conservative states, with large gatherings reported in places like Birmingham, Alabama, and Bozeman, Montana, underscoring the deep and widespread public concern.¹²

While the vast majority of demonstrations remained peaceful, there were isolated incidents of confrontation.¹³ In Los Angeles, police reportedly fired nonlethal rounds and tear gas to disperse a small group that remained after the main rally had concluded.¹⁴ In some states, Republican governors, including those in Texas and Virginia, activated National Guard troops in anticipation of the protests, a move critics argued was an attempt to intimidate peaceful demonstrators.¹⁵

Political Reaction and Context

The mass demonstrations come amidst intense political polarization and a government shutdown impasse.¹⁶