Washington: In an unprecedented display of public dissent, millions of Americans took to the streets in what is believed to be the largest coordinated protest against President Donald Trump since he assumed office in January. The demonstrations, held under the banner of “No Kings,” spanned more than 2,600 rallies across the United States on Saturday, with participants voicing concerns over what they perceive as an authoritarian and anti-democratic administration.
In Washington, D.C., multiple marches converged on Pennsylvania Avenue, the symbolic thoroughfare connecting the U.S. Capitol with the White House. Protesters carried signs denouncing Trump, with some donning costumes to emphasize their messages. Among the creative displays, a man dressed as God proclaimed “no Trumps in heaven,” while another participant appeared as a baby version of Trump, complete with orange paint, a diaper, and a king’s scepter.
Voices from the Protest
Andy Ravenna and Kevin Rehac, residents of nearby Arlington, Virginia, were among the demonstrators. They carried signs reading “Bring back checks and balances” and “So bad even the introverts are here,” expressing their belief that this protest marked the largest yet against the current administration.
“He’s destroying democracy,” Ravenna said, referring to Trump. “Everything that he’s done since he’s been in office, he’s been destroying everything that we’ve known this country to be: good and secure and a safe haven for everybody.”
Another protester, Scott, who withheld his last name for fear of retribution, blamed media mogul Rupert Murdoch’s Fox News for the current political climate. “It’s just incredible what’s going on in America, and I do blame – believe it or not – Fox News,” he said. “We’ve had 30 years of poisoning against the American mind, poisoning against the government, and it leads to these kinds of outcomes. Thanks, Rupert.”
Political Context and Reactions
This massive mobilization follows two previous large-scale protests since Trump’s return to the White House. It occurs amid a prolonged government shutdown, now in its 18th day, as Senate Democrats and Republicans remain at an impasse over extending healthcare subsidies, a sticking point in passing a spending bill to reopen the government.
Long-serving Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders addressed the Washington crowd, countering claims from some Republicans who labeled the protests as anti-American. “Millions of Americans are coming out today not because they hate America – we’re here because we love America,” Sanders declared. “As I understand, today, October 18th, 2025, there are more people out on the streets in more communities all over our country than we have ever seen in American history. This is not the end, this is just the beginning.”
“Millions of Americans are coming out today not because they hate America – we’re here because we love America.” – Bernie Sanders
Sanders criticized Trump for consolidating power among his “fellow oligarchs” and targeting protests in cities like Portland and Chicago as “insurrections.” He also accused the administration of intimidating the media and indicting political adversaries.
National and Historical Significance
While Trump spent the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, he dismissed the protests in an interview with Fox News, stating, “They’re referring to me as a king. I’m not a king.” Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson described the demonstrations as a “hate America rally” orchestrated by Antifa, Marxists, and pro-Hamas activists.
Across the nation, protests filled iconic locations such as New York City’s Times Square, Boston Common, and Chicago’s Grant Park. In Birmingham, Alabama, over 1,500 people gathered, drawing parallels to the city’s pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement.
Democratic Senator Chris Murphy noted the significance of such large-scale rallies. “Big rallies like this give confidence to people who have been sitting on the sidelines but are ready to speak up,” he told The Associated Press.
“Big rallies like this give confidence to people who have been sitting on the sidelines but are ready to speak up.” – Chris Murphy
The protests underscore a deep-seated frustration with the current administration and highlight the ongoing struggle over the balance of power in the U.S. government. As the nation grapples with political polarization, the “No Kings” movement may signal a new chapter in American civic activism.
