October 15, 2025 09:01 PM IST
First published on: Oct 15, 2025 at 09:00 PM IST
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The No Kings protest on June 14 was one of the largest demonstrations in the history of the US. (Photo: AP)
The United States is gearing up for a massive showdown this weekend with ‘No Kings’ protests planned across the country on October 18.
Organisers have announced to observe ‘No Kings Day’ on October 18, with marches and rallies planned in more than 2,500 locations to protest against what they call the authoritarian policies of the Donald Trump administration.
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Rallies have been planned in more than 2,500 locations across the US on October 18. (Photo: No Kings)
No Kings Day
“No Thrones, No Crowns, No Kings. On October 18, millions of us are rising again to show the world: America has no kings, and the power belongs to the people,” a message posted on the No Kings website reads.
“Together, millions will send a clear and unmistakable message: we are a nation of equals, and our country will not be ruled by fear or force,” the protesters said in a statement.
What is behind No Kings Day
The “No Kings” theme was orchestrated by the 50501 Movement, a national movement made up of everyday Americans who stand for democracy and against what they call the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration. The name 50501 stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement.
Millions are rising again to show the world that America has no kings. (Photo: AP)
First No Kings Day
The first No Kings Day protest was held on June 14, on Donald Trump’s 79th birthday. The birthday celebrations ran into controversy after the administration also commemorated the US Army’s 250th anniversary on the same day with a military parade in Washington.
The No Kings protest on June 14 was one of the largest demonstrations in the history of the US, and organizers estimated that more than five million people participated in more than 2,100 cities and towns, including the flagship event in Philadelphia.
The upcoming No Kings Day protest on October 18 is expected to have a similar or larger turnout across the US.
National Guard, US government shutdown
The No Kings Day protest on October 18 comes at a time when the Trump administration is increasingly using the National Guard to take control of Democrat-run cities using the pretext of fighting crime, a move that has been criticised by even some Republicans.
Trump administration has also tried to suggest that Democrats are keeping the government closed for the sake of No Kings protests. (Photo: Reuters)
The protest is happening amid the US government shutdown, which has entered its third week. While Republicans have repeatedly tried to pin the blame on Democrats, polls so far have suggested that most Americans hold the Trump administration responsible for it.
How Trump administration reacted
Some members of the Trump administration have also tried to suggest that Democrats are keeping the government closed for the sake of No Kings protests.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told Fox News that the attendees of No Kings protests will be “part of antifa, paid protesters. It begs the question (of) who’s funding it.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson and House GOP Whip Tom Emmer referred to the No Kings Day as “a Hate America rally”.
What organisers said
Responding to the Trump administration’s allegations, Ezra Levin, the executive co-director of the organisation behind No Kings Day told MSNBC: “It’s gonna be powerful, and it’s gonna be a part of history.”
“They’ve got to make some other name up for it because they understand, if they say ‘No Kings,’ how is that objectionable?” Levin said.
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The No Kings protest on June 14 was one of the largest demonstrations in the history of the US. (Photo: AP) 
