What’s going on On October 18, 2025, coordinated demonstrations under the banner No Kings protests swept across all 50 U.S. states. Organizers estimate participation of more than 7 million people in 2,500+ events, marking one of the largest protest days in U.S. history. These gatherings were organized mainly by progressive groups and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), among others. --- Why the protests The protests are a reaction to what participants see as the expanding executive power of Donald Trump’s administration. Specifically: Concern over use of federal forces or troops in U.S. cities. Worries about suppressing free speech, press freedoms, and protest rights. A broader message of “don’t let one person act like a king” — hence the “No Kings” slogan. How it looked & the tone The mood was largely peaceful and festive, with many protesters wearing inflatable costumes, using humorous signs, and emphasising non-violence. In the San Francisco Bay Area, for example, around 50,000 marched in San Francisco and 10,000 in Oakland; both cities reported zero arrests during the events. Nonetheless, some criticism has arisen over extremist or violent rhetoric in a few isolated videos from the events. Why it matters The scale of these protests signals significant public concern over the direction of federal governance and civil liberties in the U.S. The legal and political ramifications are emerging: for example, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit recently permitted deployment of National Guard troops to Portland, citing threats to federal facilities — a decision criticized for expanding presidential authority. The movement may mark a turning point in how protest and dissent are expressed in the U.S., and could influence policy, judicial decisions, and future mobilisations. What to keep an eye on How the administration and federal agencies respond going forward: will there be more deployments, legal challenges, or policy shifts? Whether the protests lead to sustained action (legislative, electoral, grassroots) or fade as a moment in time. If protest tactics remain peaceful and organised, or if there is escalation in confrontations with authorities. How media outlets and different political actors interpret and frame the movement, which could shape public perception and future mobilisation. Beloud