‘No Kings’ protests: Anti-Trump rallies to take place in over 2,500 locations nationwide

On Saturday, October 18, millions of Americans are anticipated to participate in a statewide protest dubbed as “No Kings Day,” with over 2,500 demonstrations scheduled throughout the country. The protests take place in the midst of immigration raids, the federal government shutdown, and the presence of federal troops in a number of US cities. The protests this year, according to organizers, will build on the June event, which attracted an estimated five million people to more than 2000 gatherings across the country.

Hunter Dunn, spokesperson for the coalition behind the movement, told the news outlet that the protest’s message is clear: “We are uniting to demand that our representatives take a stand against Donald Trump’s executive overreach and restore democracy before it is too late.”

The phrase “No Kings,” which alludes to the colonial fight against King George III, represents the idea that America shouldn’t be governed by an authoritarian regime. The movement contends that the administration of President Donald Trump has demonstrated a growing contempt for democratic principles. Thousands of local organizations and more than 200 national organizations are part of the coalition.

The American Federation of Teachers, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and progressive organizations like Indivisible, MoveOn, Public Citizen, and 50501 are important collaborators. The effort is also being supported by Home of the Brave, a nonprofit led by Trump critic George Conway, who is spending $1 million on advertisements to publicize the demonstrations.

Protests will take place in all 50 states, from small towns to major cities like Washington, D.C., New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and San Francisco. Local start times vary, and the full map of events is available on the No Kings website. The June protests saw some of the largest crowds in Boston, which coincided with the city’s Pride Festival and drew nearly one million people. Organizers expect an even larger turnout this time

According to the No Kings group, its goal is to oppose what it refers to as “authoritarian excesses,” such as expanded deportations, civil rights violations, and the consolidation of power within the executive branch.

The movement’s long-term objectives are to advance democratic reform and demonstrate a broad, peaceful opposition to dictatorship. The “3.5% rule,” a notion developed by political scientists Maria Stephan and Erica Chenoweth, is cited by the organizers. According to this hypothesis, regime change is inevitable if 3.5% of the populace peacefully protests.