On Saturday, millions are expected to take to the streets across America, joining protests at over 2,500 locations, from small towns to major cities, to voice their dissent against the Trump administration. This wave of activism is organized by a coalition called “No Kings,” which previously inspired a massive demonstration in June. The coalition aims to send a clear message: Donald Trump is not a king. The movement reflects growing concerns over what many see as an alarming trend toward authoritarianism in the U.S.
The protests come at a time when several U.S. cities have a heightened militarized presence, often without the support of local leaders. Trump’s administration has indicated a willingness to crack down on dissent, using a campaign of ongoing retribution against protesters. Despite these tensions, organizers expect this to be one of the largest, if not the largest, single day of protests in U.S. history.
What are the No Kings protests?
The No Kings protests represent a coalition of left-leaning groups standing against what they characterize as the increasing authoritarianism of the Trump administration. The name “No Kings” serves to emphasize that the United States, rooted in democratic principles, should not accept absolute rulers. During the previous demonstration in June, millions converged on the streets to challenge Trump’s authority on the same day he held a controversial military parade in Washington, D.C.
The movement’s website, nokings.org, states, “‘NO KINGS’ is more than just a slogan; it is the foundation our nation was built upon,” emphasizing the unity of purpose among participants. It describes the protests as a cry against dictatorship and a commitment to foundational democratic values.
Where are they happening?
The planned protests span all 50 states, occurring in both large urban centers and small rural towns. This distributed approach allows individuals to demonstrate within their own communities, reinforcing the notion that dissatisfaction with Trump is pervasive throughout the nation.
For the October 18 demonstrations, several anchor cities have been identified: Washington D.C., San Francisco, San Diego, Atlanta, New York City, Houston, Honolulu, Boston, Kansas City, Bozeman, Chicago, and New Orleans. Each location will have a specific start time for the protests, which can be found on the No Kings website, featuring an interactive map with details for each event.
Who organized the protests?
More than 200 organizations have partnered with the No Kings coalition to facilitate the protests. Primary organizers include Indivisible, a progressive movement with chapters across the U.S., alongside notable allies such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Public Citizen, and various labor unions, including the American Federation of Teachers and SEIU.
Newly emerged movements, like 50501, which advocates for synchronized nationwide protests, are also part of this coalition. Additionally, a group affiliated with Trump critic George Conway, called Home of the Brave, has launched a significant advertising campaign to promote the rallies.
How many people were at the last No Kings protests? And how many are expected this weekend?
The June protests witnessed an attendance that varied from several million, as estimated by the Harvard Crowd Counting Consortium. They dubbed it “probably the second-largest single-day demonstration” since Trump’s inauguration, drawing between 2 and 4.8 million participants across more than 2,150 actions. Some estimates even suggest turnout may have been as high as 6 million.
Given the larger number of locations planning to host events this time around, organizers are hopeful that the turnout for the October protests may exceed that of June, potentially solidifying this event as a historical milestone in American protest history.
Why now? What are the organizers’ messages?
The No Kings coalition has cited Trump’s escalating authoritarianism and corruption as their basis for protest, highlighting issues like increased deportations, healthcare rollbacks, and gerrymandered political maps. They advocate for democracy and workers’ rights, firmly opposing what they describe as “strongman politics.” The coalition is resolute in its goal to represent the voices of those who feel marginalized and unsupported by current leadership.
The organizers assert that this protest moment is inclusive, inviting anyone outraged by civil rights violations, rising costs, and government inaction to join. Their goal is to build a visible, nonviolent rejection of current political crises, demonstrating that substantial opposition exists against the administration’s policies.
What have Trump and the GOP said about the protests so far?
While Trump has not made recent statements regarding the upcoming protests, he previously downplayed the severity of previous demonstrations by claiming, “I don’t feel like a king.” Observations from Republican leaders have characterized the protests as un-American and have attempted to paint them as a cause of dissent prolonging government dysfunction. Comments from officials have included claims that the protests are funded orchestrations rather than grassroots movements, showcasing defensive rhetoric from the administration.
As the protests approach, the GOP has pulled in narratives linking the opposition to radical groups, further intensifying the political climate surrounding the event. In contrast, the No Kings coalition asserts that their movement represents a broader national consensus against perceived governmental abuse.
What is the 3.5% rule in protest?
The ongoing protests have drawn reference to a political theory known as the “3.5% rule.” This idea suggests that if 3.5% of a population engages in nonviolent protest, it can lead to the regime’s failure. Grounded in research by political scientists Erica Chenoweth and Maria Stephan, the rule indicates that mass, sustained, non-violent resistance is a powerful tool in toppling governments. While this 3.5% threshold in the U.S. translates to about 11 million people, the common thread is that large, organized, and peaceful protests, regardless of whether they meet this exact number, can significantly influence political outcomes.
Are there safety plans?
Amidst rising political tensions and instances of violence, safety is a paramount concern for the October 18 protests. Several local and state leaders have vowed to maintain order during the events. The No Kings coalition is committed to non-violent action and has put measures in place to ensure participant safety. This includes designated safety personnel, marshals to guide actions, and resources like “know your rights” cards for attendees.
Additionally, as some states explore deploying National Guard troops, the coalition remains focused on a peaceful and lawful expression of dissent, actively working to de-escalate potential conflicts. Through comprehensive planning and clear guidelines, organizers aim to cultivate an atmosphere in which citizens can express their grievances openly and safely.