On October 18, tens of thousands of young activists and global citizens took to the streets in major U.S. cities and foreign capitals. From New York and Los Angeles to London and Berlin, peaceful crowds rallied under the banner of #NoKings to protest what they see as President Trump's authoritarian drift.
In New York City, about 20,000 demonstrators marched from Times Square to City Hall, while roughly 15,000 gathered in Chicago’s Grant Park. Across the Atlantic, 10,000 residents of London met outside Parliament, and in Sydney, some 8,000 filled Martin Place with chants against strict immigration measures and the deployment of federal troops to U.S. streets.
Protesters echoed slogans from June’s original rallies—"No Kings, No Tyrants"—sending a unified message that spans continents. Central grievances include the administration’s immigration crackdown, legal actions against opponents, and the decision to station troops in cities experiencing unrest.
"This is about protecting our democracy," said Maria Lopez, a university student in New York. "We want leaders who listen, not rulers who order." In London, resident Tariq Ahmad added, "We’re showing solidarity with Americans but also standing up for fairness and human rights everywhere."
The grassroots movement owes much of its reach to digital organization. Social media data shows a 150% surge in mentions of "No Kings" and "authoritarian" in the month leading up to the protests, highlighting how online communities can spark real-world action. Young entrepreneurs, activists, and changemakers used platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and community forums to coordinate local events and share resources.
As the sun set on October 18, demonstrators dispersed quietly, leaving behind chalked slogans and a renewed sense of solidarity—from Manhattan to Melbourne. Organizers are already planning follow-up events, ensuring the "No Kings" movement stays in the global spotlight and continues to challenge authoritarian shifts in governance.
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'No Kings' demonstrations draw large crowds across the U.S. and abroad
cgtn.com
