Executive Summary
The Story So Far
Why This Matters
Who Thinks What?
Thousands of protesters are expected to gather today, October 18, 2025, for “No Kings” rallies nationwide, marking the second wave of demonstrations against President Donald Trump’s administration. Organizers of the more than 2,500 planned events across all 50 states assert that the protests aim to challenge what they describe as an increasingly militarized and authoritarian government.
Background to the Demonstrations
The “No Kings” protests are organized by the Indivisible Project and come as the federal government faces a shutdown. Democrats and Republican lawmakers, alongside the White House, are in a standoff over a funding bill, with Democrats seeking to address healthcare subsidies.
The first round of “No Kings” protests occurred in June, drawing an estimated 5 million participants who took to the streets as Trump held a military parade in Washington. Subsequent actions by the administration, including mass immigration raids and the deployment of federal troops into Democrat-led cities, have intensified the grievances among protest organizers.
Official Responses
President Trump’s Comments
President Trump addressed the upcoming demonstrations in an interview with Fox Business Network yesterday, denying the “king” label protesters have used. He suggested that Democrats might have intentionally delayed government negotiations in anticipation of the widespread protests.
Republican Critiques
Republican leaders have largely dismissed the “No Kings” rallies, with some labeling them as anti-American. House Speaker Mike Johnson claimed, without presenting evidence, that the demonstrations have contributed to the ongoing government shutdown. Senator Roger Marshall also alleged that “professional protesters” and “agitators” would be present, while Speaker Johnson further suggested participants would be “pro-Hamas” and “Antifa people.”
Call for Peaceful Action
Ahead of today’s events, North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson issued a statement urging peaceful and safe protest. Jackson emphasized that peaceful protest is a vital American right that strengthens democracy, while violence undermines it.
The Indivisible Project, the organization behind the “No Kings” events, has publicly committed to “nonviolent action.” The group states it has provided training in safety and de-escalation to tens of thousands of individuals preparing for the demonstrations.
Key Takeaways
Today’s widespread “No Kings” protests highlight ongoing political tensions and public opposition to specific policies of the Trump administration. The demonstrations occur amidst a federal government shutdown and continue to elicit strong reactions from both organizers, who emphasize peaceful dissent, and Republican officials, who have criticized the rallies.
