As millions filled the streets across America chanting against what they called a “king” in the White House, President Donald Trump responded in his own way.
On October 18, 2025, the “No Kings” protests broke out in more than 2,700 locations, drawing over 7 million people. The movement quickly became one of the biggest public rallies in recent years.
But Trump’s reaction a mix of jokes, denial, and online mockery has left the nation split once again.
Key Takeaways
- Over 7 million protesters joined the “No Kings” movement in 2,700+ locations.
- Protests targeted Trump’s alleged authoritarian actions and shutdown crisis.
- Trump responded with a viral AI-generated video mocking demonstrators.
- Peaceful protests continued nationwide with zero major arrests.
- Concerns are rising over military deployment and surveillance use in cities.
The Uprising Across America
The protests were more than just street marches. They became a loud stand against what organizers called Trump’s “authoritarian style of governance.”
The Indivisible group started the “No Kings” campaign a nod to America’s founding rejection of monarchy. Protesters raised voices against immigration raids, military patrols in cities, and a government shutdown leaving federal workers unpaid.
Despite serious issues at the center, the demonstrations carried a festive spirit. Music, costumes, and creative signs turned rallies into people’s festivals.
In Times Square, banners read “The Emperor Has No Clothes,” and many dressed in frog suits as a symbol of protest.
In Texas towns, first-timers joined dressed as the Statue of Liberty, while in San Francisco’s Ocean Beach, a massive yellow crowd formed human letters reading “Protect Democracy.”
Even Senator Bernie Sanders took the stage in Washington D.C., criticizing Elon Musk and other billionaires for supporting Trump.
There were no major clashes or arrests reported, even with National Guard vehicles parked in cities like New York and Chicago.
Trump’s Online Attack
While cities filled with crowds, Trump spent his weekend at Mar-a-Lago. But online, he stayed active. On October 19, he posted an AI video on Truth Social showing himself as “KING TRUMP” flying a jet over Times Square and dropping a brown spray on protesters.
It instantly went viral, drawing both laughter and outrage.
The Trump War Room account joined the act with a crowned photo captioned to mock critics. Social media exploded. One user wrote, “Trump’s response? ‘Thank God, no kings stealing my job!’” while others called it “a new low for political trolling.”
Former GOP member Joe Walsh responded with the line “No Kings—period,” while George Conway praised the protests as “a nonviolent stand against King Donald the First.”
The Political Reaction
In an interview on Fox Business, Trump brushed off the protests, saying, “They call me a king. I’m not a king.”
He accused Democrats of sabotaging the government and described the protests as “fake energy.” But his remarks on using the Insurrection Act of 1807 raised alarms.
He hinted that troops could be used if mayors resisted his policies.
Reports already mention federal helicopters in Portland, drones in Austin, and facial scans on protest participants — adding fears of increasing domestic surveillance.
| Sentiment On X (Oct 18–20) | Pro-Protest Vibes | Pro-Trump Takes | Neutral Buzz |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volume | Sky-high (18K+ likes on rally calls) | Scattered (low engagement) | Steady (news clips, videos) |
| Hot Themes | Defending democracy, anti-tyrant chants | “Fake rage,” shutdown blame | Large crowds, drone fears |
| What Stands Out | Peaceful tone, creative costumes, new rural voices | Trump’s quip seen as deflection | Echoes of past revolts |
| Big Gripes | Military overreach, planted disruptions | “Hate fests” affecting work | Shutdown overlap concerns |
Public Mood And What Lies Ahead
Across social media, #NoKings dominated discussions with a 300% rise in posts after the rallies. Videos from Atlanta and D.C. flooded feeds, and most top comments criticized Trump’s AI stunt as “crossing the line.”
Pro-Trump supporters, about 20–30% of online voices, dismissed the rallies as “liberal noise.” House Speaker Mike Johnson called them “hate America rallies,” while the White House responded with a cold “Who cares?”
Still, the movement’s impact is clear. Millions marched peacefully, united by one message protect democracy. But with the shutdown ongoing and troop deployments increasing, the country stands at a turning point.
Trump’s mocking crown moment may be remembered not just as a political stunt but as a symbol of how deep the national divide has become. Whether it sparks real change or further chaos, one thing is clear America’s streets are speaking louder than ever.
