Protesters rally against Trump across US in massive 'No Kings' demonstrations
Photo: US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
On Saturday, October 18, thousands of people across all 50 US states took to the streets under the slogan "No Kings," protesting President Donald Trump's policies, according to Bloomberg, CNN, and other media outlets.
The nationwide demonstrations followed a similar "No Kings" rally on June 14, which coincided with a military parade Trump held to mark the 250th anniversary of the US Army and his birthday.
This time, protesters aimed to voice public opposition to Trump's decision to deploy National Guard troops to American cities, his immigration raids, and cuts to foreign aid and domestic programs previously backed by Democrats.
The first demonstrations began at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time in Atlanta, New York, Washington, and Chicago.
Ahead of the demonstrations, the Department of Homeland Security sent an intelligence memo to regional law enforcement agencies, warning about possible outbreaks of violence at some events. The document also noted that the department had no information indicating "any specific or credible threats."
Authorities advised police to monitor individuals who had previously used peaceful protests for violent actions, as well as those showing signs of "paramilitary-like training."
The Indivisible Project, which coordinates the "No Kings" movement, said the rallies were entirely peaceful. The group said its goal was to show "a broad coalition of participants of various ages and backgrounds" united in defending democratic values and opposing what it called the administration's "authoritarian regime."
Republicans sharply criticized the protests. House Speaker Mike Johnson claimed the rallies have "contributed to the ongoing government shutdown."
President Donald Trump told Fox Business that Democrats "delayed negotiations to reopen the government for the widespread protest."
"I mean, some people say they want to delay (reopening the government -ed.) for that — the king — this, this is not a king. You know, they're saying. They're referring to me as a king. I'm not," Trump said.
Europe joins in
Protests in solidarity with Americans were also held across Europe.
According to CNN, crowds gathered near landmarks and US embassies in Berlin, Paris, Rome, and Sweden, carrying signs condemning fascism and dictatorship. Some demonstrators suggested that President Donald Trump no longer upheld democratic values.
For more details about the "No Kings" protest and how the movement began, read RBC-Ukraine's report.
