A massive wave of demonstrations under the banner of “No Kings” has swept across major cities in the United States, Europe, and Asia, as people rally against what they call the “authoritarian behavior” of U.S. President Donald Trump. The global campaign, named after the founding American principle that “we do not believe in kings,” has quickly evolved into one of the largest international protests of 2025.
On Saturday, October 18, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in London, waving placards that read “No Kings,” “Democracy for All,” and “Stop Trump’s Power Grab.” Protesters accused Trump of undermining democratic institutions and trying to centralize power. Similar protests erupted in New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Madrid, and Barcelona, spreading rapidly to dozens of cities across the world.
According to organizers, the “No Kings” protest symbolizes a stand for democratic values and citizen rights amid what they describe as a growing wave of political overreach in the U.S. administration.
Protest Started in London, Spread Worldwide
The London rally is being recognized as the symbolic launch of the No Kings campaign, which has since expanded into more than 2,600 demonstrations globally. From the streets of Madrid to Seoul, thousands of people joined the movement, chanting slogans against what they view as autocratic tendencies in American politics.
In the U.S., protests in Washington, D.C. drew large crowds, with hundreds of marchers converging near the Arlington Cemetery before moving toward the National Mall. Demonstrators carried banners saying, “Democracy is not anyone’s empire” and “We the People, Not the King.”
Organizers said the movement represents a global reaffirmation of democratic values. “This campaign is about reminding leaders that power belongs to the people,” said a spokesperson for the organizing coalition.
‘Democracy Is Not Anyone’s Personal Empire’
Leah Greenberg, co-founder of the civic group Indivisible, which helped organize several U.S. rallies, said the movement is deeply rooted in American constitutional ideals.
“The idea that we have no kings is at the soul of our Constitution,” Greenberg said. “This movement is a reminder that citizens must continue to raise their voices to defend democracy.”
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) confirmed that more than 3,000 volunteers have been trained to ensure that the protests remain peaceful. Over 300 social and community organizations have also joined the campaign, amplifying its reach across social media platforms.
Support from Political Leaders and Celebrities
Prominent progressive leaders, including Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), and Hillary Clinton, expressed solidarity with the movement. Many celebrities and artists also shared the #NoKings hashtag, calling for unity and democratic accountability.
A similar wave of demonstrations was witnessed on Trump’s birthday earlier this year, when millions took to the streets to voice concerns over his administration’s policies.
Trump Responds: ‘I Am Not a King’
Reacting to the widespread protests, President Donald Trump dismissed the accusations, calling the demonstrations “politically motivated” and harmful to the nation’s image.
“I am not a king. I have been elected democratically, and these protests are just another attempt to divide America,” Trump said during a press briefing.
Leaders of the Republican Party echoed Trump’s statement, labeling the protests as “anti-American campaigns” driven by partisan politics.
A New Era of People’s Movements
Sociologist Dana Fisher from the University of Maryland believes that the No Kings protest could evolve into one of the most significant global democratic movements in recent history.
“This is not just about Trump’s policies,” Fisher noted. “It’s about citizens around the world expressing frustration with authoritarian governance and reclaiming their voice.”
According to Fisher, the movement could involve over three million participants worldwide, showing that public sentiment against concentrated power is reaching a breaking point.
As the No Kings movement grows, analysts say it reflects a broader global trend — citizens uniting across borders to defend democratic institutions and challenge the resurgence of populist, personality-driven politics.
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