MINNEAPOLIS, MN Oct 18, 2025 – As autumn leaves painted the landscapes in shades of gold and crimson, thousands of Americans took to the streets in a resounding chorus of resistance. The “No Kings” national day of protest, organized to reject what demonstrators call authoritarian overreach in the Trump administration, drew crowds to over 2,600 cities and towns across the United States. From bustling urban centers like New York and Chicago to smaller communities in the heartland, participants waved signs and chanted slogans echoing the revolutionary spirit of 1776, affirming that “America has no kings.”
The wave of demonstrations marked the second major “No Kings” mobilization this year, following an earlier event on June 14, 2025. Organizers, including groups like Reproductive Freedom for All, framed the protests as a nonviolent stand against policies perceived as eroding democratic norms, including executive overreach and threats to reproductive rights. In Washington, D.C., a massive rally near the National Mall featured speeches from civil rights leaders and drew live coverage from PBS, underscoring the movement’s growing momentum.
At the heart of one such gathering in Minnesota—home turf for Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin—a poignant image captured the day’s fervor. Martin, a proud Minnesotan and vocal critic of the administration, shared a series of photos on X (formerly Twitter) from the local rally, including a striking shot of a protester hoisting a handmade sign that read: “WE SAY NO KINGS Because WE ❤️ AMERICA.” The image, set against a backdrop of fiery fall foliage and fellow demonstrators in caps and jackets, quickly amassed over 600 likes and thousands of views by Sunday morning.
“We haven’t had a king since 1776. We sure as hell won’t again,” Martin captioned the post, a direct rebuke to rhetoric from Trump allies that some critics liken to monarchical entitlement. The thread included additional photos: one showing a diverse crowd chanting under a clear blue sky, another of families with strollers joining the march, and a third featuring a banner proclaiming “Power to the People.” The post’s resonance was immediate, sparking a flurry of replies—ranging from supportive cheers to sharp conservative pushback, including memes and accusations of hypocrisy.
In Chicago, the rally at Grant Park swelled to thousands, with participants linking arms in a human chain symbolizing unity. Portland and other Pacific Northwest cities saw “No Kings 2.0” events evolve into lively street festivals blended with activism, complete with live music and voter registration drives. Even in smaller locales like Hagerstown, Maryland, locals gathered for intimate yet spirited shows of solidarity, as documented on community forums.
The protests come amid heightened tensions following the 2024 election, with Trump’s return to the White House fueling debates over the balance of power. Wikipedia’s entry on the October 2025 “No Kings” protests notes their roots in broader resistance movements, drawing parallels to historical uprisings against tyranny. Organizers reported peaceful conduct nationwide, though isolated counter-demonstrations occurred in some areas.