With 200,000 Mobilized, No Kings Day Offers a Catalyst for Change

October 20, 2025

The October 18 "No Kings" protests mobilized approximately 7 million people nationwide, including 200,000 in Washington D.C., in a nonviolent demonstration against President Donald Trump's policies. Speakers including Keya Chatterjee from FREE DC, Senators Chris Murphy and Bernie Sanders addressed issues of healthcare, voter rights, and government overreach during the rally. The protesters voiced concerns about Trump's executive actions affecting marginalized communities and demanded an end to the ongoing government shutdown.

Who is affected

Communities of color, immigrants, and other marginalized groups
15 million Americans potentially losing healthcare coverage
20 million Americans facing doubled health insurance premiums
Staff at nursing homes, rural hospitals, and community health centers facing layoffs
Residents in government-assisted housing programs like LAYC that have lost funding
Hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians concerned about peace, equity and unity
People struggling to afford basic necessities like rent and food during the shutdown

What action is being taken

Nationwide "No Kings" protests involving approximately 7 million people across nearly all 50 states
Refuse Fascism organizing "Flood DC" mobilization starting November 5
Participants networking and connecting with like-minded organizations during rallies
FREE DC leaders pushing for full control over local autonomy
Target Target Boycott (mentioned as an example of ongoing economic activism)

Why it matters

The protests represent what organizers call the largest demonstration in American history
The demonstrations highlight widespread concerns about President Trump's policies affecting healthcare, voting rights, and marginalized communities
The government shutdown is causing immediate hardships for Americans who can't afford necessities
The rallies reflect a growing national movement opposing what speakers described as "fascism" and executive overreach
The protests provide opportunities for building community connections necessary for sustained activism
The demonstrations represent a struggle over competing visions for America's future

What's next

Refuse Fascism plans to launch sustained "Flood DC" demonstrations beginning November 5, one year before the 2024 general election
Proposed actions include nationwide worker strikes, contacting congressional representatives, disrupting systems enabling oppression, and mobilizing for the 2026 midterm elections
Activists emphasize the need for economic pressure tactics similar to the Target Target Boycott
Calls for people to demonstrate at ICE deportation centers
Senator Sanders urged Republicans to return from recess to negotiate and end the government shutdown

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer