U.S. Representative Nydia Velazquez (D-NY) joined a “No Kings” protest in Times Square, New York City, on October 18, 2025, as demonstrators across the United States rallied against President Donald Trump’s policies. Dubbed “Hate America” by Republican leaders, these protests represent a burgeoning movement aimed at pushing back against what organizers describe as a troubling shift towards authoritarianism under Trump.
This rally marks the third mass mobilization since Trump resumed his presidency and is anticipated to be the largest yet. It unfolds amid a contentious government shutdown, which has not only halted federal services but has also intensified the struggle for power between the executive branch and Congress. Protesters are increasingly concerned that Trump’s actions pose a serious threat to democratic norms.
While Trump was in Florida for a $1 million fundraising event, he addressed mounting criticisms in a Fox News interview, claiming, “They say they’re referring to me as a king. I’m not a king.” Protests near his Mar-a-Lago estate are expected to coincide with the nationwide demonstrations.
Organizers are promoting this rally as a consolidated effort against Trump, contrasting it with earlier protests that focused on specific issues, such as Elon Musk’s policies and military parades. Key figures like Senate Leader Chuck Schumer and Independent Senator Bernie Sanders have stepped forward to show solidarity, framing the events as necessary pushback against an administration that they believe stifles free speech and promotes militarized immigration policies.
Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, emphasized the importance of civic engagement, stating, “There is no greater threat to an authoritarian regime than patriotic people-power.” Despite Republican attempts to label the protests as fringe gatherings, organizers cite an impressive turnout, with over 2,600 rallies planned nationwide, catering to communities within an hour’s drive for many citizens.
GOP leaders have criticized the protests, claiming that the participants represent extreme viewpoints. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) referred to the upcoming rallies as a “Hate America rally,” suggesting that they would attract groups hostile to American values, including “antifa types” and “communists.” According to Republicans, Democratic leaders like Schumer have capitulated to the far-left, prolonging the government shutdown.
As negotiations for reopening the government stall, many Democrats view the shutdown as an opportunity to counter Trump’s authority. In a Facebook post, Sanders described the protests as “a love America rally,” emphasizing their commitment to the Constitution and warning against Trump’s potential authoritarian grip.
Just months ago, Democrats faced internal divisions and uncertainty about their approach to Trump’s administration. Now, they seem more united, as evidenced by the increasing number of registered protest sites-1,300 in April, 2,100 in June, and over 2,600 expected for the Saturday event, according to Levin.
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries indicated he might join the protest but criticized Republican portrayals of the events. “What’s hateful is what happened on January 6th,” he said, referencing the Capitol attack. “What you’ll see this weekend is what patriotism looks like, people showing up to express opposition to the extremism that Donald Trump has been unleashing on the American people.”
As tensions rise between protesters and Trump supporters, these rallies could signify a pivotal moment in U.S. political discourse, showcasing the growing frustration among those opposed to the current administration’s policies.
Original Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/10/18/trump-no-kings-protests.html
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Publish Date: 2025-10-18 20:48:00
