No Kings Gathering Demonstrates Patriotism Across the U.S.

On October 18, millions of Americans came together to proclaim, “There is no king.”

It’s hard not to feel a surge of patriotism. The roots of our nation lie in an outright rejection of tyrannical rule. The idea that no one stands above the law is a cornerstone of democracy, setting us apart from monarchies and dictatorships.

The First Amendment, which guarantees the freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, was at the heart of it all. And people showed up! Reports indicated large crowds in major cities and numerous small gatherings—over 2,700 across the nation.

Individuals from diverse backgrounds united to defend America’s foundational principles against months of turmoil, witnessed under a leadership that seemed to disregard the law. Personally, I felt a deep sense of pride as I declared my love for my country and my opposition to its drift toward authoritarianism.

The No Kings event was, for the most part, nonviolent. In New York, where attendance surpassed 100,000, authorities reported no arrests at the protests, a trend echoed in cities like Chicago and Washington.

The gathering on October 18 became what many are calling the largest demonstration in U.S. history, which clearly frustrated the president. The day after, he claimed—despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary—that the turnout was “very small.”

Trump even dismissed the millions of attendees as “devastated.” That’s not new. He also shared a disturbing video where he imagined wearing a crown and attacking protesters; it’s shocking, really.

We’ve come to expect such condescension from him. Republican leaders often follow suit, echoing the administration’s falsehoods.

Before the No Kings event, House Speaker Mike Johnson disparaged attendees, branding the rally a “hate America” gathering—a narrative primarily fueled by the media’s efforts to undermine the event.

Even after the peaceful marches, Johnson continued to smear the gathering, dismissing it as “anti-American.” He wasn’t alone—other Republican leaders perpetuated similar misleading narratives about those who participated.

Right-wing figures and outlets resorted to longstanding myths, claiming that opposing protestors were financially motivated. Just days before, Senator Ted Cruz warned that the event “could spark riots,” promoting an outlandish conspiracy that only served to stoke fears.

This rhetoric serves to advance policies that would empower a corrupt Justice Department under Trump’s leadership. Cruz specifically aimed to target philanthropist George Soros, framing him as part of a “network of left-wing violence.”

Indeed, there is an ongoing campaign from the Trump administration to investigate and target progressive groups, as noted by Senator Ron Wyden. He stated, “Donald Trump believes he is king” and is determined to wield his power to stifle dissent.

The organizers behind the No Kings movement advocated for peaceful protests. Organizations like Open Society Foundations, which I represent, strive to protect democratic values without endorsing violence. Unfortunately, Trump and his allies seem intent on weaponizing governmental authority against critics.

One indicator of the movement’s impact? Recently, Trump insisted he is not a king and doesn’t appreciate being labeled as one.

Yet, he seems to enjoy acting in ways that suggest otherwise, attempting to manipulate the Constitution through executive orders and using his influence to strike fear into various sectors like media and education.

Not even the White House has remained untouched; renovations are underway to create an extravagant banquet hall, costing taxpayer money at a time when many families struggle with rising healthcare costs.

This ballroom, which will nearly double the size of the White House, feels symbolic of Trump’s broader ambitions to overwhelm legal and political pushback against his controversial policies.

However, the impressive turnout and passionate support for the No Kings movement remind us that Americans dedicated to freedom will not be easily silenced or defeated. There truly is no king in America!