October 20, 2025 | 10:14 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Millions of US citizens were estimated to join nationwide rallies on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Carrying the slogan "No Kings," they denounced what they called the authoritarian tendencies of US President Donald Trump and the erosion of democratic norms under his government.
The organizers of the protest stated that more than 2,600 demonstrations were planned in big and small cities across the country, even in the capital of other countries. Up to three million people were estimated to participate.
"There is nothing more American than saying, 'We don't have kings,’" said Leah Greenberg, one of the founders of Indivisible, one of the main groups behind the protest, as reported by CNA. "[We're] exercising our right to peacefully protest."
Why Did the American People Take to the Streets?
The demonstration was triggered by opposition to Trump's immigration and education crackdown, as well as the deployment of the National Guard in US cities and the prosecution of political opponents. In Washington, thousands of people marched towards the US Capitol, carrying flags, banners, and balloons in a carnival-like atmosphere. Some protesters dressed as Trump with prison stripes, holding banners that read "Impeach Trump Again."
"I'm against the overreach of power," said Aliston Elliot, who wore a Statue of Liberty foam crown while carrying an anti-dictatorship placard.
Large-scale protests were also reported in New York, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, and Houston. A US Marine Corps veteran said that he joined the march because the United States was founded on the basis of resisting tyrants and kings.
In Portland, Oregon, 70-year-old veteran Kevin Brice wore a shirt that read "No Kings since 1776." He said he was ashamed for deploying the military against civilians.
Trump's Reaction?
Trump belittled the protests. In an interview with Fox Business on Friday, he said, "They call me a king, I'm not a king."
More than 300 grassroots groups joined to organize the march, supported by the American Civil Liberties Union, which trained volunteers to act as legal observers and de-escalation officers.
Progressive leaders Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, as well as Hillary Clinton, voiced their support for the movement. House leader Mike Johnson, a Republican, viewed the demonstration as a manifestation of hatred towards America.
Sociologist Dana Fisher from American University estimated that the Saturday protests could mark one of the largest protest events in US history, with the number of participants possibly surpassing the "No Kings" demonstration in June, which drew up to six million people.
She said the protests were unlikely to change Trump's policies. However, Fisher added that the protests could embolden officials who oppose Trump's agenda.
Smaller solidarity actions also took place outside the US embassy in London, Madrid, and Barcelona, where protesters shouted their support for American democracy and opposition to authoritarianism.
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