WASHINGTON, D.C. – A colossal wave of protest, unprecedented in American history, swept across the nation on October 19, 2025. An estimated 7 million Americans took to the streets in over 2,700 events, united under a single, powerful banner: “No Kings.” This movement, born from a staunch opposition to what citizens perceive as a rising tide of authoritarianism in government, has become a remarkable symbol of democratic power. However, President Donald Trump’s reaction to these demonstrations has ignited a new firestorm of criticism, highlighting the deep political tensions dividing the country.

A Wake-Up Call from the People

From the bustling streets of New York, where over 100,000 people marched peacefully across all five boroughs without a single protest-related arrest, to Chicago, with an estimated 250,000 participants, the “No Kings” message resonated powerfully. People from all walks of life—in blue, red, and purple states, from rural areas to major urban centers—gathered to affirm their right to protest and speak for their beliefs. “This is the most American thing that you can do—protest and speak for what you believe in,” one protester shared. They believe that change comes from those who dare to fight back and resist oppression. Many expressed frustration with an administration they feel is threatening constitutional principles and democracy itself. “We don’t need a king. We definitely don’t need a dictatorship,” another demonstrator asserted.

Ezra Levin, co-founder and co-executive director of the Indivisible Project, described the event as “the largest protest in American history in a single day.” He emphasized that the movement is not just about President Donald Trump but about a “No Kings era,” where people unite to defend their freedoms. Levin also pointed out that, despite fears of violence, there were no reported instances of conflict among the 2,700 events held across every congressional district, refuting the divisive “war” narrative often painted by the former president.

President Donald Trump’s Controversial Reaction

While millions of citizens exercised their constitutional rights, the response from President Donald Trump sparked fresh outrage. Instead of addressing the protesters’ concerns, Trump posted an AI-generated video on social media. The video depicted him as a fighter pilot flying a jet labeled “King Trump” while wearing a crown. More disturbingly, the plane was shown “dropping a brown liquid resembling feces” onto the heads of protesters gathered in a city. The video was set to the song “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins.

Kenny Loggins, the song’s artist, quickly condemned the use of his music. In a statement, he expressed his disappointment: “I can’t imagine why anybody would want their music used or associated with something created with the sole purpose of dividing us.” He called for unity, stating, “We’re all Americans and we’re all patriotic. There is no us and them—that’s not who we are, nor is it what we should be. It’s all of us, we’re in this together.”

The Republican Counter-Narrative: “Hate America Rally”

Meanwhile, members of the Republican Party, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, attempted to downplay and distort the meaning of the “No Kings” movement. For weeks leading up to the protests, they labeled it a “hate America rally” and dismissed citizens’ concerns. After the protests unfolded peacefully and without violence, Mike Johnson still defended Trump’s AI video, claiming the former President was “using satire to make a point.” However, he failed to clarify what that “point” was. Levin commented sarcastically on the Republican predicament, noting they couldn’t even bring themselves to call the movement “No Kings” because of its unobjectionable nature, forcing them to mischaracterize it as a “hate America rally.”

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson: A Call for Unity and Action

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson was a prominent voice at the protests. Speaking at a rally in Chicago, he stressed the importance of resisting authoritarianism. “We will not bend, we will not bow, we will not cower, we will not submit to the authoritarianism that is coming down from Washington D.C.” Mayor Johnson also issued a powerful call to action, urging a “general strike” if necessary, drawing inspiration from the historic strikes led by enslaved ancestors in American history. “If there was ever a time for working people to unite across our country, this is that time,” he declared.

Mayor Johnson has not shied away from confronting the Trump administration directly. He filed a lawsuit against the administration for threatening to withhold tens of millions of dollars in critical federal disaster relief grants. This legal action was supported by other cities, hoping to set a precedent for municipalities to fight back against similar actions from the federal government.

Real-World Issues Overlooked

While attention was focused on the protests and controversial responses, many urgent issues under the Trump administration remained unaddressed. The government entered its 20th day of a shutdown, the third-longest in history. Hundreds of thousands of federal employees were missing paychecks, placing severe financial strain on their families.

Furthermore, the economy faced alarming challenges. The Washington Post reported a surge in auto loan delinquencies, a clear indicator that low- and middle-income families are struggling. This is particularly concerning as many Americans rely on cars for transportation, making auto loan delinquencies a telling gauge of financial hardship. American wages have failed to keep up with inflation, and Trump’s tariff policies have driven up the cost of everyday goods. A new poll showed that 68% of adults describe the current economy as “poor,” while only 12% feel they are “getting ahead.”

Other Controversial Decisions

The tensions were not confined to domestic issues. President Donald Trump continued to stir controversy with his actions and statements. He was accused of obstructing the release of sensitive Epstein files through House Speaker Mike Johnson’s refusal to hold a vote. Concurrently, Trump’s abrupt decision to commute the seven-year prison sentence of former Republican congressman George Santos—who was convicted of 27 felonies, including wire fraud and identity theft—caused widespread outrage. Trump justified the decision by stating Santos “had the courage, conviction, and intelligence to always vote Republican.”

On foreign policy, Trump was criticized for turning his back on America’s allies during Russia’s war in Ukraine. In a private meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, Trump reportedly demanded that Ukraine accept Russia’s terms to end the war, including ceding the entire eastern territory of Donbas. Trump warned that Russia would “destroy Ukraine” if it did not comply and denied Zelenskyy’s request to use U.S.-supplied long-range Tomahawk missiles against Russia. The meeting reportedly devolved into a shouting match, with Trump cursing frequently.

The Future of the “No Kings” Movement

Despite the challenges and divisions, the spirit of the “No Kings” movement remains strong. Ezra Levin highlighted its growing momentum, from 3 million participants in April, to 5 million in June, and culminating in 7 million in October. This demonstrates that Americans are not just protesting; they are actively building a unified movement to defend their democracy.

In a landscape where the government faces multiple crises and a former president makes controversial moves, the “No Kings” message is more than a slogan—it’s a reminder that ultimate power belongs to the people. The future of American democracy may depend on their ability to sustain this momentum and find new ways to unite and act. The confrontation between the aspiration for democracy and the threat of authoritarianism is shaping a new chapter in American history, and millions of citizens are determined to write it.