What is No Kings Day?

By Madeline McGuire

No Kings Day has been a popular topic for several months. It started on June 14^th, 2025 as a series of demonstrations, largely in the United States, against what the organizers describe as authoritarian policies of Donald Trump and corruption in his administration. The No Kings protest, also known internationally as the No Dictators or No Tyrants protest, was so meaningful and impactful that there was another protest on October 18^th, 2025.

No Kings protest signs express opposition to monarchy and authoritarianism, often with slogans like “No Kings – Not Then. Not Now. Not Ever,” “In America, We Don’t Do Kings,” and “Rejecting Kings Since 1776.” These signs are a way to show support for democracy and the rejection of what is perceived as tyranny, using phrases that evoke American founding principles or contemporary political concerns. Some other signs that have been seen on social media and elsewhere include phrases such as “Kings Fall, People Rise,” “Can’t Spell Hatred Without Red Hat,” “The Department Of Justice Should Be More Than Just ICE,” and “What Divides Us Now Is Not Our Political Views, But Our Ethical Beliefs.”

According to the No Kings website, in June, “millions of everyday Americans from every walk of life peacefully took to the streets and declared with one voice: No Kings. The world saw the power of the people, and President Trump’s attempt at a coronation collapsed under the strength of a movement rising against his abuses of power. Now, he’s doubling down — sending militarized agents into our communities, silencing voters, and handing billionaires giveaways while families struggle. This isn’t just politics. It’s democracy versus dictatorship. And together, we’re choosing democracy.” Also, on October 18^th, “more than 7 million of us rose up at more than 2,700 events in all 50 states, DC, and cities worldwide to say: America has no kings, and the power belongs to the people. Now, our task is to stay vigilant, stay united, and continue to push back.” There are more protests that are being planned because the fight is not over. There is still more to be done. We still have a long way to go.

My mother went to the protest in Buffalo on June 14^th and loved it. The peaceful protest lasted approximately three hours. She went to that protest to “be around like-minded people and express her concern for the country and the direction that it’s going.” She wanted to “have a voice and walk with people who want to have a voice and speak out against what we believe to be unlawful and unethical behavior from the current administration.” It felt “very enthusiastic, energetic, happy, powerful, and upbeat.” It made her feel a part of other people, of the community, and it made her feel like having a voice and being able to express yourself and your displeasure matters. Protests are the path to making change in this world and have always been. History proves that. It may not have made a change politically, but it made a change to her. She says she would love to go to another protest.

My aunt went to the protest in Philadelphia on October 18^th, 2025. The protest she went to had about 500 people at it, with a variety of signs. As she says, there were “some very simple signs saying just ‘no kings, ‘ others more detailed about Trump’s immigration policies. The protest was peaceful and lasted about 2 hrs as scheduled.” This was her first protest, and she will definitely do another one. Personally, she says, “I’m not sure it makes a difference, but it makes me feel good to be around like-minded people. I feel like we all need to do something to express our dissatisfaction with what’s happening in our country.” She says that many people wore yellow. That was to symbolize peaceful resistance, unity, and optimism against what organizers described as authoritarian policies. The color yellow was chosen by organizers as a symbol of these positive, non-violent ideals.

The No Kings website says, “The fight doesn’t end here. No Kings was a beginning — a reminder that power belongs to the people, not to those who would rule over us. The work now is to stay ready, stay connected, and keep fighting back.” People can take action for ‘no kings’ through various forms of protest and civic engagement, such as attending or organizing marches and rallies, contacting their elected officials, and engaging in community support like mutual aid and “Know Your Rights” trainings. These actions are part of a long-term movement to defend democracy and can be adapted for various levels of participation. The organization states, “Our peaceful movement is only getting bigger. “No Kings” is more than just a slogan; it is the foundation our nation was built upon. Born in the streets, shouted by millions, carried on posters and chants, it echoes from city blocks to rural town squares, uniting people across this country to fight dictatorship together. Because this country does not belong to kings, dictators, or tyrants. It belongs to We the People — the people who care, who show up, and who fight for dignity, a life we can afford, and real opportunity. No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings.” This fight is far from over. Although Trump supporters have overwhelmingly expressed opposition and mockery towards these protests, progressive, anti-Trump people are using their voices to speak up against tyranny and autocracy because we are a Melting Pot. We are a country of freedom. We are not a dictatorship. We need to stand up against totalitarianism and fascism. We need to fight for the United States of America. You can help by contacting your elected representatives, connecting with your neighbors on the issues you care about, or displaying a sign in your front yard or window.