Thousands Rally Nationwide to Protest President Trump
A protester dressed as the Statue of Liberty wears makeup that looks like bruises during a "No Kings" protest Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Olga Fedorova)
Demonstrators opposed to President Trump’s recent actions gathered across the country on Saturday, holding rallies in cities large and small — including New York City, Birmingham, Alabama, and Bozeman, Montana. Carrying signs and American flags, participants called for political change in what organizers described as an expansion of the roughly 2,000 “No Kings” demonstrations held in June. According to the New York Times, about 600 additional rallies were scheduled this weekend, many of them in smaller or rural communities.
Organizers said the protests were fueled by opposition to several of President Trump’s recent moves, including the deployment of federal forces to U.S. cities, stepped-up immigration enforcement, and prosecutions of political figures. “We are seeing a difference in the understanding of the general public — that this is a marathon,” said Hunter Dunn of the group 50501.
Washington, D.C. — Protesters near the Capitol voiced concern about civil liberties. “I’m pro-American. I’m pro-Constitution. I’m pro-law and order. I’m pro-immigration — legal immigration. I’m pro–First Amendment rights. I’m pro–free expression. All of that is under assault,” said Robin Brown, 66, in an interview with NBC News. Another participant, former federal worker Tara Reel, dressed as a crying Statue of Liberty, said some acquaintances were too afraid to attend, citing fears of “militarization” within U.S. communities.
Birmingham, Alabama — In a city with deep civil rights history, demonstrators said they drew strength from uniting in a state that strongly supported Trump in the last election. “It just feels like we’re living in an America I don’t recognize,” said Jessica Yother. “I walked in and thought, ‘Here are my people.’”
Los Angeles, California — “We’re here to fight fascism, and we’re not afraid. This is our city and our country,” said Jess Sanchez, 25, whose relatives have faced immigration raids, according to the Los Angeles Times. A local band performed a parody of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues,” referencing the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Austin, Texas — “I was motivated by my mom and my grandmother,” said attendee Makayla Beadle, who joined both women at the rally. “They’ve been fighting for these values since before I was born, and I hope to make the difference they made in their lifetimes.”
Chicago, Illinois — “I’m angry — what’s happening to my neighbors. My husband is second-generation Latinx,” said activist Andy Thayer, who handed out “ICE Out!” signs. “If you don’t think it’ll affect you — at some point, they will get around to you. They are arresting citizens.” In response to GOP House Speaker Mike Johnson’s criticism that the protests are anti-American, demonstrator Melissa Haub told the Washington Post, “I think this is literally the most American thing you can do.”
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma — Army veteran Brian Wofford, who lost a leg in Iraq, said he attended to stand up for constitutional rights. “There’s no way I’m bending the only knee I have left for a king here in America,” he told USA Today. “I can’t sit idly by while rights are trampled on and people are treated like second-class citizens.”
Rallies also took place outside the United States — in Toronto, France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom — as international groups expressed solidarity with the demonstrations.
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