Millions of Americans took to the streets for “No Kings” protests, a mass mobilization aimed at opposing President Donald Trump’s administration and what participants describe as his authoritarian tendencies.
Newsweek reached out to Trump’s representative via email for comment on Monday.
Why It Matters
With over 2,700 organized events reportedly drawing nearly 7 million demonstrators, per MSNBC, the protests marked one of the largest single-day nationwide demonstrations in U.S. history. The presence and vocal support of numerous celebrities amplified the movement’s message, drawing national and international attention and underscoring concerns over issues like freedom of expression, use of federal force in cities and the role of dissent in American political life.
What To Know
The “No Kings” protests—which took place on October 18—spanned the United States, from Los Angeles to New York and smaller towns nationwide. Organized by groups like Indivisible, the protests expressed opposition to President Trump’s policies on immigration and the deployment of the National Guard in major cities. Demonstrators carried creative signs and wore costumes, with messages advocating for democracy and rejecting autocratic governance.
Actor Pedro Pascal joined a Los Angeles demonstration, sharing images on Instagram and urging followers to “PROTECT #Democracy.” Kerry Washington, Cecily Strong, John Cusack, Billy Eichner, Kathy Griffin, Jamie Lee Curtis, Glenn Close, Spike Lee, Ben Stiller and others attended protests, posted support online or addressed crowds. Many celebrities highlighted the need for peaceful resistance and the importance of participating in upcoming elections.
Trump responded to the “No Kings” protests on Truth Social with an AI-generated video of himself flying a fighter plane and dropping a brown substance on protesters.
What People Are Saying
Longtime Chicago resident and actor John Cusack attended the Chicago rally and referenced the city’s historic labor activism in an interview with CNN: “What’s interesting is that [President Trump] doesn’t understand that all the labor rights around the world came from this town, this place. So if he thinks this place is going to be a fascist hub – no chance!”
The Last of Us star Pedro Pascal wrote on Instagram: “#NoKings #LosAngeles PROTECT #Democracy.”
Saturday Night Live actress Cecily Strong posted wryly via Instagram, referencing political rhetoric: “Great Saturday in Great Barrington with these America hating terrorists with no jobs being paid by George Soros.”
Comedian Kathy Griffin led protesters in a “This is what democracy looks like” chant and shared the clip to social media, commenting: “Well, you can’t take @4lisaguerrero and I to a protest and expect us to behave 🙂 #NoKingsDay #NoKings #protest.”
Scandal actress Kerry Washington said on Instagram: “Sending so much love and gratitude to everyone who showed out for #NoKings today!”
All That We Love actress Margaret Cho uploaded several Instagram photos calling out the United States Homeland Security Advisor in a sign that read: “Stephen Miller is a small, screaming sperm.”
Billy on the Street host Billy Eichner wrote on Instagram: “A beautiful day for a peaceful march against fascist bullies in NYC. #nokings”
Ice T wrote in a note on X with 1.9 million views: “No Fn KINGS.”
Jimmy Kimmel Live! host Jimmy Kimmel said on Instagram: “When you’re making your #NoKings posters, remember… Donald Trump LOVES a good nickname.”
Hillbilly Elegy actress Glenn Close held a sign on social media that read: “No oligarchs, no dictators, no despots, no autocrats, NO KINGS.”
Jamie Lee Curtis added via Instagram: “In this world of abundance and BIG, BIGGER, BIGGEST, it doesn’t matter if this was the MOST people ever turning out in protest, it just matters that we SHOWED UP, STOOD UP, said what we THINK and FEEL and now the HARD work. We have a YEAR to send a real MESSAGE at the BALLOT BOX which is our AMERICAN VOICE, and so, let’s get &$@KING BUSY!”
Filmmaker Spike Lee remarked on Instagram: “GET UP STAND UP. YA-DIG SH-NUFF.”
Zoolander star Ben Stiller shared a protest photo on X of a sign that read, “No Kings (except for Jalen Brunson).” “Love this #NoKingsOct18.”
However, John Rich—one half of the country duo Big & Rich—criticized the protests on X: “If America had a King, he would never allow a ‘No Kings’ protest. What a Buncha morons.”
What Happens Next
Organizers and participants of the “No Kings” protests say they plan to maintain momentum through ongoing advocacy, community action and voter engagement in the lead-up to the 2026 midterm elections.
