‘No Kings’ protests erupt across US

On Saturday, October 19, 2025, millions of Americans took to the streets in all 50 states in a series of coordinated protests dubbed ‘No Kings.’ The demonstrations, which spanned from New York to Los Angeles, were a direct response to President Donald Trump’s controversial policies and perceived authoritarian tendencies. Organizers estimated that over 7 million people participated, with rallies even occurring near Trump’s Florida residence. Protesters voiced their opposition to Trump’s hard-line immigration policies, attacks on the media, and alleged erosion of democratic norms. Slogans such as ‘Protect Democracy’ and ‘Fight Ignorance, Not Migrants’ dominated the marches, reflecting widespread discontent. While the protests were largely peaceful, isolated incidents in Los Angeles saw police deploying nonlethal rounds and tear gas to disperse crowds. Trump responded with a series of AI-generated videos on his Truth Social platform, depicting himself as a king, further fueling the outrage. House Speaker Mike Johnson dismissed the rallies as ‘Hate America’ protests, a claim met with derision by demonstrators. The events underscored the deep political polarization gripping the nation, with many participants expressing fears for the future of American democracy.