No Kings: What to know about the October protests against Trump
What is No Kings?The No Kings protests are the largest organized demonstration against the Trump administration in the United States. The first event took place in June, and the second will take place on October 18."In June, millions of everyday Americans from every walk of life peacefully took to the streets and declared with one voice: No Kings," the movement's website reads. "The world saw the power of the people, and President Trumps attempt at a coronation collapsed under the strength of a movement rising against his abuses of power.""Now, hes doubling down sending militarized agents into our communities, silencing voters, and handing billionaires giveaways while families struggle," it continues. "This isnt just politics. Its democracy versus dictatorship. And together, were choosing democracy."What is No Kings protest in response to?The protests overall are in response to Trump's overreaches of power and attempts at establishing himself as an authoritarian ruler.The website mentions explicitly the administration "sending masked agents into our streets," as well as "targeting immigrant families, profiling, arresting, and draining people without warrants. Threatening to overtake elections. Gutting healthcare, environmental protections, and education when families need them most. Rigging maps to silence voters. Ignoring mass shootings at our schools and in our communities," and "driving up the cost of living while handing out massive giveaways to billionaire allies, as families struggle."Where will the No Kings protests be?The No Kings website lists protests in hundreds of cities across every state in the U.S.A. Check the map to find the nearest one.How many people will be involved in the No Kings protests?Organizers are reportedly expecting millions of Americans to attend the No Kings protests across the country.Why are the No Kings protests asking people to wear yellow?No Kings organizers are asking people to wear yellow, saying, "yellow is a bright, unmistakable reminder that millions of us stand together in the belief that America belongs to its people, not to kings.""On October 18, millions of us will join our neighbors at No Kings rallies to stand united against the authoritarian regime in the White House," the site reads. "Our power is in our unity, and our unity will be seen in yellow."The movement cites protests in Hong Kong, South Korea, and Eastern Ukraine as other movements that have used the color yellow to symbolize peaceful demonstrations.What do Republicans say about the No Kings protest?House Speaker Mike Johson said the protest is a "hate America rally" that would draw "the pro-Hamas wing" of the party and "the antifa people," per Politico.When asked about the protests and their message that Trump is acting like a monarch, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson replied, "Who cares?" with no further comment, per NPR.Is this the first No Kings protest?No, the first No Kings rally took place on June 14, while Trump was having a military parade timed to the Army's 250th anniversary as well as his own birthday.The first was the largest coordinated single-day demonstration against the second Trump administration.When is the No Kings protest?The next No Kings protests are taking place on Saturday, October 18.