“No Kings” Protest in DC: Tens of Thousands Expected to Rally Against Trump Administration
Washington D.C. is bracing for a massive protest event, “No Kings,” where tens of thousands of demonstrators are expected to gather on Pennsylvania Avenue NW to voice their opposition to President Donald Trump’s administration. The event, scheduled for Saturday, October 18, 2025, is part of a nationwide series of protests calling for a reclamation of democracy without the need for “a king” like the president.
Background and Purpose of the Protest
The “No Kings” protest is a response to Trump’s policies, which organizers say are eroding democracy and pushing the country towards autocracy. The event aims to bring together people from diverse backgrounds to peacefully protest against the administration’s actions, including its immigration crackdown, restrictions on press freedom, and promises to use federal power to influence midterm elections.
Expected Attendance and Road Closures
Organizers expect at least 100,000 people to attend the protest in Washington D.C., with many more participating in rallies across the country. To accommodate the large crowd, several roads in the nation’s capital will be closed or have parking restrictions. Some of the affected roads include Pennsylvania Avenue, Constitution Avenue, and U Street.
Speakers and Performers
The protest will feature several notable speakers, including Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy, TV scientist Bill Nye, and British-American journalist Mehdi Hasan. Sanders emphasized the importance of preserving democracy, saying, “People fought and died throughout the history of this country to preserve our democracy. And we’re not going to let Trump or anybody else take it away.”
Security Measures
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has announced that National Guard members will be deployed to support local law enforcement and ensure public safety. However, civil libertarians have raised concerns about potential surveillance and the impact on free speech.
Nationwide Protests
The “No Kings” protest is not limited to Washington D.C. Thousands of protests are expected to take place across the United States, with events planned in all 50 states. The protests are part of a broader movement to resist Trump’s policies and protect democracy ¹ ².
Road Closures and Parking Restrictions
To prepare for the protest, motorists are advised to plan ahead and check for road closures and parking restrictions. Some of the affected areas include ¹:
- Pennsylvania Avenue: Closed to vehicle traffic from 3rd Street to 7th Street NW
- Constitution Avenue: Closed to vehicle traffic from 7th Street to 6th Street NW
- U Street: Closed to vehicle traffic from 15th Street to 13th Street NW
- 6th Street: Closed to vehicle traffic from C Street to Constitution Avenue NW
Key Takeaways
- Tens of thousands expected to attend “No Kings” protest in Washington D.C.
- Protests planned across all 50 states to voice opposition to Trump’s administration
- Several notable speakers, including Bernie Sanders and Chris Murphy, to attend the event
- Road closures and parking restrictions in place to accommodate the large crowd
- National Guard members deployed to support local law enforcement and ensure public safety
The “No Kings” protest is a significant event that highlights the growing concerns about the Trump administration’s policies and their impact on democracy. As the event unfolds, it’s essential to prioritize public safety and respect the rights of protesters to express their opinions.
