Massive “No Kings Protests” Sweep U.S. As Americans Demand Trump’s Resignation
By [Your Name] | Updated October 21, 2025
In what organizers are calling a historic uprising, millions across the United States took to the streets on Saturday to protest what they describe as increasing authoritarianism under President Donald Trump. The rallies, held under the banner of the “No Kings” campaign, took place in every one of the 50 states and in thousands of towns and cities nationwide. (The Guardian)
What Happened
- According to organizers, over 7 million people joined more than 2,600 locations in the coordinated effort. (The Verge)
- In cities like Chicago, attendance was especially large — estimates for some rallies in the Midwest soared past 100,000. (The Guardian)
- Demonstrators carried banners and chanted slogans such as “No Kings. No Crowns. No Trump” and “Resign and Restore Our Republic.”
Protesters’ Motivations
Protesters voiced several key grievances:
- A belief that President Trump is conflating his office with monarchical or autocratic power — hence the term “king.”
- Concerns over expanded use of federal authority, including national guard deployments, immigration crack-downs, and erosion of checks and balances. (TIME)
- Fear that democracy, civil liberties and the rule of law are under threat unless the public speaks out.
Who Was There
A recent survey conducted during the Washington, D.C. protest by researchers at American University revealed: (Axios)
- 86 % of attendees self-identified as white; 57 % were women.
- The median age was 44.
- Approximately 90 % of respondents placed themselves somewhere on the political left.
Reaction from the White House & Republican Leaders
In response to the protests:
- President Trump posted an AI-edited video on his social platform showing himself as “King Trump”, in a fighter-jet style sequence, actions which press critics said underscored the protesters’ point. (People.com)
- Republican leaders sought to frame the protests as un-American or co-opted by extremist groups. (The Washington Post)
- Many Democratic leaders and civil-liberties organisations hailed the rallies as a legitimate expression of democratic dissent.
What’s Next?
Analysts suggest the protests mark a significant moment:
- The size and scope may serve as a catalyst for political change ahead of upcoming mid-term elections. (The Washington Post)
- The movement’s leaders are calling for continued engagement, not just a single day of protest. They plan follow-up events and strategic actions.
- Observers will watch how institutions respond: Will Congress, local governments or the courts heed the voices raised this weekend?
Why This Matters
This wave of dissent appears to go beyond typical political rallies. The reach—spread across small towns to major cities—plus the messaging (focused on defending democracy rather than a narrow policy agenda) signal something deeper is underway. Given its size, it potentially changes the public debate and raises the stakes for President Trump’s second term.
