After 'No Kings' protests, where does Democratic opposition go next?

October 19, 2025

The "No Kings" demonstrations across the US drew millions of protesters opposing President Trump's policies and expansion of presidential authority, exceeding turnout expectations with peaceful gatherings in major cities and smaller towns. Democrats, liberals, and some anti-Trump Republicans rallied together despite having little formal power in national politics. The White House responded dismissively, with Trump posting AI-generated videos mocking protesters.

Who is affected

Millions of demonstrators who participated in the "No Kings" protests
Federal workers who have missed paychecks and face financial hardship
Low-income Americans whose food support funding is expected to run out
The US judicial system scaling back operations
Democratic states and cities targeted by the Trump administration's cuts during the shutdown
The American public affected by the government shutdown
Low-income Americans with health-insurance subsidies set to expire

What action is being taken

"No Kings" demonstrations are occurring across major US cities and smaller towns
Democrats are refusing to approve short-term extensions of federal spending without addressing health-insurance subsidies
The Trump administration is ordering new cuts to the federal workforce and suspending domestic spending during the shutdown
Democratic leaders in the Senate are working to negotiate an end to the government shutdown
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin is urging protesters to vote in upcoming elections

Why it matters

The scale of turnout suggests potential for Democratic resurgence despite Trump's policies
The protests represent widespread opposition to Trump's use of presidential authority
The government shutdown is causing increasing hardship for federal workers and vulnerable populations
November's state elections could indicate whether anti-Trump sentiment translates to Democratic electoral success
The demonstrations and shutdown politics reveal significant divisions within the Democratic party
These political movements could impact the 2024 midterm elections that will determine control of Congress

What's next

State elections in early November will serve as a barometer for whether anti-Trump sentiment translates into Democratic electoral success
The 2024 midterm elections will determine which party controls both chambers of Congress
Democratic primary battles in Maine, Massachusetts, California, and Michigan will determine nominees for next year's elections

Read full article from source: BBC