newYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Millions are expected to gather in thousands of locations in the United States on Saturday for a nationwide “No Kings” protest that challenges Donald Trump and his GOP priorities.
Saturday’s demonstrations across the country mark the second “No Kings” protest since Trump took office. Some Democratic members and congressional candidates are expected to attend.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., did not give a clear answer when asked if he would attend one of Saturday’s rallies, telling reporters he had not “finished” his agenda. However, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., as well as House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., told the press they would attend on Saturday.
Republicans have argued that the second mass “No Kings” protest event scheduled for Saturday is merely an attempt to distract from the current government shutdown battle and appease their base. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Los Angeles, told FOX Business he hopes the Democratic leaders who attended will be more willing to accept the GOP plan after the demonstrations end — but he did not sound overly optimistic.
Anti-Israel radicals from the “Global Intifada” movement join “No Kings” protests
Protesters gather in opposition to President Donald Trump in front of the Michigan State Capitol in June. (Photo by Jeff Kowalski/AFP via Getty Images)
“This will be a set of wild left policy priorities, and it will be presented to the entire country,” Johnson said. “And after this is over, I hope there will be a few Democrats here who will come to their senses and go back to governing the country.” “Right now, I don’t think — it’s hypothetical and our assumption is that they’re not going to make that concession before this rally is over because they don’t want to face the angry mob. I mean it’s sad, but that’s where we are.”
“I think if they didn’t want a left-wing primary, they’d probably find a way to sneak in [attending a rally] “The real question is going to be, do they have the fortitude after Saturday to come back and open the government?” Rep. Zach Nunn, R-Iowa, told Fox News Digital earlier this week.
By around 10:30 a.m. ET, crowds had already begun gathering in New York City’s Times Square, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and in Atlanta. By noon, large crowds were seen in places such as Carrollton, Texas, Charlotte, North Carolina, Arlington, Virginia, and the US Embassy in London.
Leader’s Scale: Democrats cheer ‘No Kings’ protests but let’s stop devastating families
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and other House GOP leaders are using Saturday’s “No Kings” rallies as a political cudgel amid the government shutdown. (David McNew/Getty Images; Rod Lamke Jr./AP Photos)
In Virginia, Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin mobilized the National Guard to help with any potential chaos.
“I want to be clear that Virginians have a fundamental right to free speech and peaceful assembly, but that right does not include destruction of property, looting, vandalism, traffic disruption or violence of any kind — for which there will be no tolerance,” Youngkin said, according to The Virginia Pilot.
Virginia-specific protests are expected in Hampton Roads, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Newport News and Williamsburg, according to the official No Kings campaign. Website.
“No Kings” protests against the Trump administration are expected to be held in cities nationwide on October 18, 2025. (Ringo Chiu/AFP via Getty Images)
Click here to download the FOX NEWS app
In addition to the protests taking place in the continental United States, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and Alaska are also expected to witness protests. Protests are also scheduled outside the United States, including in several European countries, and there is at least one march planned in Mexico.
Fox News Digital’s Elizabeth Elkind and Chase Williams contributed to this report.