Get Started Tonight: Inside the Massive No Kings Day Protests Across the U.S.

If you want to catch a live discussion on autocrats versus democracies, don’t miss the upcoming event with Michael McFall on October 30th in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Tickets are available now via mattlog.com or by scanning the QR code at the event announcement. McFall’s new book, Autocracy vs. Democracy, hits shelves next week, and this live interview promises to unpack its critical themes.

But back to the urgent news: the weekend was dominated by one of the largest protest movements in modern U.S. history — the No Kings Day protests. Across the country, millions took to the streets to voice opposition to President Donald Trump, sending shockwaves through political circles and social media.

A Historic Turnout

According to organizers, more than 7 million Americans participated in No Kings Day demonstrations. From Alabama to Alaska, protesters gathered in major cities and small towns alike, showing nationwide solidarity against perceived autocratic policies. In Alabama alone, at least 15 protests took place, including rallies at the Edmund Pettis Bridge in Selma, Oxford, Montgomery, Huntsville, and Birmingham.

In Alaska, over 25 events occurred, spanning Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Homer, and smaller towns like Nome. Arizona reported 60 separate protests, a significant increase from the 40 protests held in June, with cities like Scottsdale, Goodyear, Phoenix, and Flagstaff seeing massive crowds.

Arkansas, by contrast, had a unique overlap: its annual Pride Parade coincided with No Kings protests in Little Rock. Despite the rainy weather, thousands marched, including a woman from Conway honoring her anti-fascist family legacy. Other cities like Jonesboro, Vonia, and Hot Springs also reported strong turnout, even in rural regions.

California’s protests were particularly notable. Hundreds of events unfolded across Northern and Southern California, including Oakland, Livermore, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, Santa Cruz, and San Francisco. The size of the crowds in major metropolitan areas overwhelmed expectations, highlighting the protest movement’s momentum.

Nationwide Mobilization

Every state reported significant No Kings participation. Colorado’s Denver, Colorado Springs, and Centennial saw record-breaking crowds, while Connecticut reported 50 separate events, including large turnouts in New Haven, Milford, Westport, and Hartford. Delaware’s Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach, Newark, and Wilmington were similarly packed.

Florida, despite potential counter-protests by local Proud Boys, experienced large, peaceful gatherings in Miami, Jacksonville, St. Augustine, St. Petersburg, Tampa, and even The Villages. Georgia held 40 separate protests, including a massive demonstration in Atlanta covering multiple city blocks, with additional events in Savannah, Augusta, and Macon.

Hawaii took a culturally sensitive approach, renaming their protests “No Dictators” to respect the state’s royal heritage. Despite this, turnout in Maui, Hilo, Kona, and Honolulu was strong, showing the movement’s reach extends even to the Pacific islands. Idaho’s traditionally conservative regions reported unprecedented engagement in Boise, Pocatello, McCall, and Nampa.

Illinois and Indiana saw huge participation, particularly in Chicago (spanning 22 city blocks) and Indianapolis. Ohio had robust turnouts in Cincinnati, Columbus, Toledo, Dayton, and Cleveland. Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington State, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming also reported thousands of participants across multiple cities.

Even historically conservative strongholds like Austin, Texas, drew attention. Governor Greg Abbott reportedly called in the Texas National Guard to manage the massive but peaceful turnout, demonstrating the scale and impact of this grassroots movement.

Washington, D.C., saw an extraordinary gathering, with more citizens turning out than during previous major protests. The capital’s demonstration reflected the growing national sentiment, with attendees expressing their opposition to policies perceived as authoritarian and unresponsive.

Trump’s Controversial Actions

Adding to the intensity of the weekend, President Trump reportedly began physical renovations of the White House, including the East Wing and parts of the Rose Garden. Critics noted the timing, suggesting Trump waited until after the massive protests to initiate these changes. Social media and news outlets captured images of backhoes at work, paving lawns, installing oversized flagpoles, and hanging gaudy decorations in the Oval Office.

The juxtaposition of millions protesting in the streets while Trump modified the White House sparked widespread discussion. Citizens expressed frustration over perceived disregard for public opinion and the symbolic importance of preserving presidential legacy.

The Social Media Reaction

The No Kings Day protests dominated platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, with hashtags like #NoKingsDay, #ProtestTrump, and #DefendDemocracy trending nationwide. Memes, live streams, and drone footage provided real-time coverage, amplifying the movement’s visibility. Political commentators and celebrities engaged, highlighting the unprecedented scale and cross-generational participation.

Why It Matters

No Kings Day represents a growing, coordinated effort to push back against policies perceived as autocratic or authoritarian. The movement is significant not only for its size but for its inclusivity, spanning urban centers, rural towns, and regions across the political spectrum. Organizers like Indivisible and local grassroots groups played a crucial role in mobilizing millions, showcasing the power of civic engagement in modern democracy.

The protest weekend also underscores the symbolic tension between citizens and the presidency, particularly regarding transparency, legacy, and accountability. Millions of Americans demonstrated that dissent remains a foundational element of democratic governance.

Conclusion

The weekend’s events — from massive protests to controversial White House renovations — highlight a pivotal moment in American political life. Citizens across all 50 states mobilized, demonstrating the continued vibrancy of democratic expression. As President Trump took unilateral action on White House grounds, the public’s collective response underscored the importance of active participation in shaping national discourse.

Whether you’re in Massachusetts for a live discussion on autocracy versus democracy with Michael McFall or following the unfolding nationwide protests, the message is clear: engagement, awareness, and action matter. The 2025 No Kings Day protests will likely be remembered as a defining moment in the ongoing conversation about governance, citizen power, and accountability in the United States.