Re: "No Kings" or "No Dictator" rally day on October 18, 2025
The "No Kings" or "No Dictator" rally day on October 18, 2025, is a large series of protests primarily across the United States against President Donald Trump's policies and what organizers describe as authoritarian and anti-democratic actions during his second term. These protests are planned in about 2,500 locations nationwide, including all 50 states and U.S. territories, with millions expected to participate. The name alternates between "No Kings," "No Dictators," and "No Tyrants" to emphasize opposition to authoritarian rule, specifically targeting Trump.?
Rally Locations and Counts by State
There are at least 2,500 planned protest events across all 50 states. For example, California alone has dozens of planned events across Southern California, the Bay Area, Central Valley, and Northern California, with tens of thousands attending in major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. Other states like Iowa have dozens of protest sites, such as 35 in Iowa with large gatherings in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids. Similar wide dispersal is present nationwide, making this one of the largest coordinated protest events in U.S. history.?
Purpose of the Rally
The rallies aim to protest what organizers call Trump's overreach and authoritarian tendencies, including immigration crackdowns, use of federal troops in American cities, attacks on civil rights, and alleged corruption in his administration. The organizers see the protests as a defense of democratic norms and the First Amendment's protection of free speech and peaceful assembly. The coalition of about 200 organizations includes the ACLU, Indivisible, the American Federation of Teachers, and various civil rights and environmental groups, all emphasizing peaceful protest.?
Funding Sources
The protests are largely funded by progressive and civil society organizations, with significant financial support coming from foundations associated with billionaire philanthropist George Soros. His Open Society Foundations have awarded grants totaling over $7.5 million to Indivisible, the key organizer managing data and communication for the protests. This funding supports the coalition's activities in civic engagement and organizing democratic participation.??
Terrorist Group Associations as Declared by the White House
The Trump administration and some Republican leaders label the protests and affiliated groups negatively, with accusations that paint the protests as linked to "terrorist" organizations or "foreign terrorist networks." White House officials have pushed to designate "antifa" as a foreign terrorist organization, associating groups like Democratic Socialists of America and CODEPINK as accomplices of radical opposition elements. However, these claims are part of a broader politically charged rhetoric against the protest movements, which organizers insist remain committed to nonviolent action.?
In summary, the "No Kings" or "No Dictator" rally day marks a massive nationwide protest against what participants view as President Trump's authoritarian policies and actions. With over 2,500 events in all states, backed by prominent progressive organizations and significant funding from George Soros-affiliated foundations, these protests highlight ongoing political tensions and debates around democracy, civil rights, and free speech, despite official government attempts to cast them as extremist or terrorist activities.
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The White House, Republicans, and MAGA supporters argue that the United States Republic and Constitution are being defended by resisting what they characterize as radical, anti-American left-wing protests exemplified by the "No Kings" rallies. They claim these protests are driven by Marxists, antifa, and other extremist factions who threaten public order and constitutional governance. The administration and GOP leaders assert their actions—such as deploying National Guard troops to cities and pushing strong immigration enforcement—are necessary to uphold law, order, and the constitutional framework. They view themselves as preserving the rule of law and the republic against attempts to undermine it through chaos and unlawful dissent.? |
