Washington, D.C., October 20, 2025
News Summary
Over 2,700 ‘No Kings’ protests took place nationwide, with millions participating to oppose what they view as authoritarian policies by the Trump administration. Organized by the Indivisible Project, the events emphasized nonviolent resistance, featuring significant gatherings in cities like New York and Washington, D.C. Political leaders delivered speeches addressing concerns over democratic values and authoritarianism. While most protests were peaceful, some escalated, including incidents in Portland and Myrtle Beach. The demonstrations coincided with a government shutdown, mobilizing public sentiment against perceived government oppression.
Nationwide “No Kings” Protests Mobilize Millions Against Trump Administration’s Policies
On October 18, 2025, over 2,700 “No Kings” protests erupted nationwide, with millions participating to challenge what they perceive as increasingly authoritarian policies by President Donald Trump. Organized by the Indivisible Project, these demonstrations emphasized nonviolent resistance and brought together a diverse array of voices united against the current administration’s policies.
Some of the most significant gatherings occurred in major cities, including Times Square in New York City, where over 100,000 people rallied, and Washington, D.C., which saw attendance exceed 200,000. The protests featured a variety of activities such as rallies, art demonstrations, and performances by noted politicians and grassroots activists.
Among the prominent leaders participating were House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and Senator Elizabeth Warren, who delivered impactful speeches condemning the administration’s tactics. Many speakers highlighted issues such as Trump’s approach to immigration and the military presence in urban areas, which protesters claim undermines democratic values.
The protests were characterized by vibrant displays of unity, with demonstrators showcasing signs that invoked themes of democracy and criticism of authoritarianism. Participants shared personal stories to emphasize the importance of freedom of expression and the potential threats to such liberties in the current political climate. Many attendees wore costumes and yellow attire to symbolize a peaceful collective protest.
While most demonstrations were peaceful, tensions escalated in Portland, Oregon, where law enforcement resorted to deploying tear gas to disperse crowds. This resulted in several arrests, including 15 individuals taken into custody in Broadview, Illinois, and multiple detentions reported in Portland for various infractions. In Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, a woman was arrested for brandishing a firearm near the protests, marking one of the few incidents of violence associated with the nationwide demonstrations.
The widespread protests coincided with a government shutdown, which Democratic leaders leveraged to rally public support against Republican policies. Social media played a crucial role in mobilizing protests, with participants using platforms to express their sentiments against Trump and his administration, enhancing the collective narrative against perceived governmental oppression.
Public reactions have been mixed, with considerable support for the protests among many citizen groups and criticism from some Republican lawmakers who labeled the events as threats to national security. Despite this, the overarching message from the demonstrations is one of unity, showcasing solidarity across diverse demographics to oppose Trump’s agenda and promote democratic values.
Summary of Key Protest Features
- Over 2,700 protests held nationwide
- Participation numbers estimated in the millions
- Significant events in Times Square and Washington, D.C.
- Nonviolent resistance emphasized by organizers
- Prominent political figures spoke at events
- Some confrontations with law enforcement
- Focus on democracy and opposition to perceived authoritarianism
FAQs
What were the “No Kings” protests about?
The protests aimed to challenge President Donald Trump’s policies, perceived as increasingly authoritarian.
How many protests occurred nationwide?
Over 2,700 “No Kings” protests occurred across the U.S.
Who organized the protests?
The events were organized by the Indivisible Project, emphasizing nonviolent resistance.
What were some of the largest gatherings?
Some of the largest gatherings included over 100,000 attendees in Times Square, New York City, and more than 200,000 in Washington, D.C.
What kind of activities took place during the protests?
Protests included rallies, art demonstrations, and performances by notable figures.
Were there any incidents of violence during the protests?
Incidents of violence were minimal, with one case involving a woman arrested for brandishing a firearm near the protests in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Arrest Made During Myrtle Beach ‘No Kings’ Protest
Tense Incident at Myrtle Beach ‘No Kings’ Protest
Myrtle Beach Woman Arrested for Gun Threat at Protest
Historic ‘No Kings’ Protests Mobilize Millions Against Trump
Mary Moriarty Arrested at Myrtle Beach Protest
Michael Schill Resigns as Northwestern University President
Myrtle Beach Surf Schools Enhance Community Engagement
Ryan Fox Aims to End 26-Year Golf Drought at Australian PGA Championship
Nationwide Protests Honoring the Legacy of John Lewis
South Carolina Prepares for Protests Amid Nationwide Tensions
Additional Resources
- CNN: Nationwide “No Kings” Protests Mobilize Millions Against Trump Administration’s Policies
- New York Times: No Kings Protests Against Trump
- Rolling Stone: No Kings Protesters Against Trump Authoritarianism
- The Atlantic: Photos from No Kings Protests Across America
- Wikipedia: Protests in the United States
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
