Home » Latest Travel News of America » US Joins Germany, Portugal, Sweden, and the United Kingdom in Massive Global No Kings Protest with a Worldwide Call for Democracy Amidst Political Tensions
Published on
October 19, 2025
On October 18, 2025, the United States joined Germany, Portugal, Sweden, and the United Kingdom in a massive global No Kings protest. This coordinated action called for democracy and resisted the perceived authoritarian policies of President Trump. Thousands of people gathered across these countries to stand against growing political tensions and advocate for freedom. The protests weren’t just a local concern; they were a worldwide movement highlighting the global demand for democratic values. In cities like Berlin, Lisbon, London, and Stockholm, demonstrators expressed their shared desire to push back against dictatorship-like governance.
The No Kings protest also had an impact on travel as many planned trips were altered or rerouted due to roadblocks and protests in major cities. As protesters worldwide raised their voices, the movement reminded the world that democracy is a fight that spans borders.
What is the “No Kings” Movement?
The “No Kings” movement is a powerful grassroots initiative designed to oppose what its organizers see as authoritarian actions and policies pushed by President Donald Trump’s administration. The movement takes its name from the idea that no one, not even a president, should have unchecked power or be treated as a monarch. The message is clear: power should lie with the people, not one individual, and it is a call to return to democratic principles.
The movement first gained attention in June 2025, with thousands of rallies taking place on the shared birthday of President Trump and the U.S. Army, signaling a growing dissatisfaction with the direction the country was heading. However, it was the protests of October 18, 2025, that made a massive global impact. These protests were bigger, louder, and more widespread than any prior demonstrations against Trump’s presidency.
The United States: The Heart of the Protests
The “No Kings” protests were most intense in the United States, where over 2,600 rallies were scheduled across all 50 states. Major cities like New York, Chicago, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles saw thousands of protesters flood the streets, demanding change. But it wasn’t just the large cities that participated. Smaller towns like Emporia, Kansas, and Southbury, Connecticut, also witnessed large-scale protests, making it clear that dissatisfaction with Trump’s leadership stretches across the nation, from coast to coast.
In Chicago, one of the largest rallies took place, with the city’s mayor and the governor of Illinois both showing support for the protests. They spoke about the importance of standing up for democratic values and rejecting authoritarianism. In New York City, protesters gathered in Times Square, some wearing costumes and holding signs, to show their discontent. Protesters in Florida waved signs along Gulf to Bay Boulevard in Clearwater, where one woman even wore a frog costume, showing the creative and diverse nature of the protests.
The protests were not just about rejecting Trump as a leader, but also about standing up for democratic norms. The demonstrators framed their cause as a choice between democracy versus dictatorship, emphasising the need for checks and balances in government. Protest leaders called for peaceful, non-violent actions, even providing participants with training on de-escalation techniques. They made it clear that no weapons, including legally permitted firearms, were allowed at the protests.
Global Participation in the “No Kings” Protests: A Unified Stand Against Authoritarianism
The “No Kings” protests on October 18, 2025, were a testament to the widespread opposition to President Donald Trump’s administration, not just within the United States but across the globe. Demonstrations took place in various countries, with participants voicing their concerns over perceived authoritarian tendencies and the erosion of democratic norms.
Germany: Solidarity in Berlin
In Berlin, Germany, protesters gathered outside the U.S. Embassy, holding signs denouncing what they viewed as authoritarian actions by the Trump administration. The demonstration was part of a broader European response to the “No Kings” movement, reflecting concerns about the implications of U.S. policies on global democracy.
Portugal: U.S. Citizens Mobilize in Lisbon
In Lisbon, Portugal, U.S. citizens residing abroad organized a “No Kings” protest in Praça do Comércio. The event was coordinated by Democrats Abroad Portugal, aiming to express opposition to President Trump’s policies and to advocate for democratic values.
United Kingdom: Demonstrations in London
London saw a significant turnout at the U.S. Embassy, where protesters gathered to voice their dissent against Trump’s leadership. The demonstration was part of a coordinated effort by various groups, including Indivisible UK, to express solidarity with the “No Kings” movement and to stand against perceived authoritarianism.
Sweden: Gathering in Stockholm
In Stockholm, Sweden, a “No Kings” protest took place at Raoul Wallenberg’s torg, where participants gathered to express their opposition to President Trump’s policies. The event was organized by local activists and was part of the broader international response to the “No Kings” movement.
Czech Republic: Prague Joins the Movement
Prague hosted a “No Kings” protest where Americans and Czechs gathered to denounce what they perceived as authoritarian actions by the Trump administration. The demonstration included speeches, poetry readings, and songs, drawing parallels to the Velvet Revolution and emphasizing the importance of democratic values.
The Key Issues Behind the Protests
The “No Kings” movement was driven by a variety of issues, all centred around the belief that Trump’s presidency threatens the democratic foundation of the United States and, by extension, the world. Some of the most significant issues that fueled the protests included:
- Immigration Policies: Under Trump’s administration, there was a sharp increase in immigration crackdowns, including the deployment of National Guard troops to various cities like Chicago and Los Angeles to assist with deportations. Many protesters viewed these actions as inhumane and a direct attack on the rights of immigrants and refugees.
- Erosion of Civil Rights: Trump’s policies, including restrictions on voting rights and attempts to limit the power of the judiciary, were seen as a threat to civil liberties. Protesters viewed these actions as an attempt to consolidate power and limit democratic participation.
- Authoritarian Governance: Trump’s leadership style, characterized by frequent attacks on the press and public institutions, raised concerns about the rise of authoritarianism in the U.S. Protesters believed that the government was becoming more autocratic, and they wanted to remind Americans and the world that democracy cannot be taken for granted.
- Environmental Concerns: Trump’s stance on climate change and environmental protection was also a key issue for protesters. The president’s withdrawal from international climate agreements and his policies that favoured corporate interests were seen as a betrayal of the global community’s responsibility to address climate change.
The U.S. Government’s Response
The Trump administration’s response to the “No Kings” protests was dismissive, reflecting the president’s usual stance on opposition movements. When asked for a comment about the protests, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson reportedly responded with the phrase, “Who cares?” This response only fuelled the anger of the protesters and added to the perception that Trump was unwilling to engage with the concerns of the American people or the international community.
In Texas, where Governor Greg Abbott had deployed the National Guard and state troopers to manage potential unrest, the protests were labelled as “Antifa-linked,” a term often used by the administration to delegitimize opposition. Despite this, the protests in Texas, particularly in Austin, went ahead, with citizens expressing their discontent.
The Future of the “No Kings” Movement
The success of the October 18 protests is a testament to the strength and reach of the “No Kings” movement. The widespread participation in the U.S. and across multiple countries signifies a global awakening to the dangers of authoritarianism. The movement’s continued focus on peaceful, nonviolent protest ensures that it remains a legitimate form of democratic resistance. As concerns about the erosion of democratic norms grow, the “No Kings” protests may continue to serve as a rallying point for those advocating for change.
Conclusion: A Global Rejection of Authoritarianism
The “No Kings” protests are more than just a political event; they represent a global push for the preservation of democracy. Whether in Berlin, London, or Chicago, the message is clear: people around the world are united in their rejection of authoritarian leadership and their demand for a system of governance that puts the people’s voice at the centre.
As the protests continue to unfold, it is clear that the world is paying attention. The “No Kings” movement has shown that the fight for democracy is a shared cause, and people everywhere are ready to stand up and make their voices heard.
Source: Newsweek
