On Saturday, activists and advocacy groups will stage the second round of No Kings protests across the United States. This movement arises in response to perceived abuses of power by former President Donald Trump and his administration, particularly regarding his immigration policies and the deployment of troops in American cities. Organizers anticipate that millions of individuals will participate in these significant demonstrations.
The No Kings protests are scheduled for October 18 and follow a successful series of events that took place in mid-June. This initiative is spearheaded by a coalition of organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Indivisible, 50501, and several others. Organizers claim that more than 2,600 events are planned nationwide, encompassing major metropolitan areas such as New York City, Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Los Angeles. Millions are expected to join these rallies, which are being organized by community members and volunteers, as noted by Deirdre Schifeling, the chief political and advocacy officer of the ACLU.
While specific details about fundraising efforts for the protests have not been disclosed, some groups have begun spending significantly to promote the events. For instance, the political group Home of the Brave announced a $1 million advertising campaign for the No Kings protests, targeting both local and national publications. High-profile celebrities such as Jane Fonda, Kerry Washington, John Legend, Alan Cumming, and John Leguizamo are also expected to attend, further intensifying media attention around the event.
In anticipation of Saturday’s rallies, law enforcement agencies are monitoring social media and collaborating with local organizers and potential counter-protesters to gauge expectations. This heightened vigilance comes amid ongoing concerns regarding large-scale public gatherings, particularly those with political undertones.
Republican leaders have criticized the No Kings protests, suggesting that they are an impediment to resolving the current federal government shutdown. Senate Majority Leader John Thune claimed that Democrats are postponing funding negotiations until after the protests, asserting that they are more focused on appeasing their far-left base than on practical governance. House Speaker Mike Johnson framed the upcoming protests as “Hate America rallies,” implying that they represent a critique of American values.
In a recent press conference, Johnson insinuated that attendees might include “pro-Hamas supporters” and “Antifa types,” although he provided no evidence to back these claims. Organizers of the No Kings protests have emphasized their commitment to maintaining a respectful and nonviolent atmosphere, even as they acknowledge that they cannot control who may join from outside groups.
In response to the Republican narrative, protest organizers argue that the responsibility for the ongoing government shutdown lies with Republican leaders. Leah Greenberg, co-executive director of Indivisible, pointed out that the reluctance of some Republicans to even mention the name of the protest, “No Kings,” highlights their inability to engage with the core message of the movement. "There is nothing more American than saying that we don't have kings and exercising our right to peaceful protest," Greenberg stated.
When asked if the Republican claims might deter participants, organizers expressed optimism, suggesting that such rhetoric could actually boost turnout. Schifeling remarked that Americans are increasingly aware of the attempts to distract from the failures of the Republican leadership to address crucial issues facing the nation.
Ezra Levin, co-executive director of Indivisible, welcomed the media attention while suggesting that Republican leaders are concerned about the potential for a significant peaceful protest against what they perceive as authoritarian overreach by the Trump administration and its allies in Congress. "They’re looking for ways to message against it ahead of time," Levin concluded.
The No Kings protests promise to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding American governance, civil rights, and the exercise of democratic freedoms. As organizers prepare for a day of significant activism, the nation watches closely to see how these events will unfold.
