Massive Protests Erupt Across the US and Internationally against President Trump's Administration

Strategic Insights -

Huge crowds of protesters gathered in major cities across the US and in other parts of the country on Saturday to take part in rallies against President Trump and his administration. The protests, dubbed the "No Kings" movement, come as the government shutdown approaches its third week and opposition to Trump's military crackdown on Democratic-led cities grows. Organizing groups include the American Civil Liberties Union, American Federation of Teachers, and Human Rights Campaign, among others.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 2,700 events were planned as part of the 'No Kings' protest across 50 states, with several internationally, including in London, Paris, Rome, and Lisbon, Portugal.
  • The protests have reached a wider swath of the US than at any other point on record, according to a report from the Harvard Kennedy School.
  • The current protest movement has reached deeper into Trump-voting areas than at almost any time during his first administration, although those protests tend to be smaller than the nationwide average.
  • Organizers expect millions to participate in cities and towns across the nation for the second "No Kings" protest to denounce the Trump administration.
  • GOP lawmakers condemned the movement as "a hate America rally," casting blame on the protests for the continued government shutdown.
  • Protesters gathered in major cities including New York City, Boston, Chicago, West Palm Beach, and Washington, D.C.

Statistics:

  • Over 2,700 events were planned as part of the 'No Kings' protest across 50 states.
  • The protests have reached deeper into Trump-voting areas than at almost any time during his first administration.
  • Organizers expect millions to participate in cities and towns across the nation for the second "No Kings" protest.
  • Over 50 states had planned events as part of the 'No Kings' protest, with several internationally.
  • **No specific date was given for the number of participating protesters**

Sources:

  • Axios: [https://www.axios.com/2025/10/15/no-kings-rally-protest-october-18-trump](https://www.axios.com/2025/10/15/no-kings-rally-protest-october-18-trump)
  • Axios: [https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump](https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump)
  • Axios: [https://www.axios.com/2025/10/18/government-shutdown-trump-federal-workers](https://www.axios.com/2025/10/18/government-shutdown-trump-federal-workers)
  • Harvard Kennedy School: [https://ash.harvard.edu/resources/the-resistance-reaches-into-trump-country/](https://ash.harvard.edu/resources/the-resistance-reaches-into-trump-country/)
  • Axios: [https://www.axios.com/2025/10/15/gops-latest-government-shutdown-scapegoat-no-kings-protests](https://www.axios.com/2025/10/15/gops-latest-government-shutdown-scapegoat-no-kings-protests)