Thousands Join Global ‘No Kings’ Protests Against Trump’s Immigration, Education And Security Policies

Thousands took to the streets across the world on Saturday (18 October) in the first wave of “No Kings” demonstrations — a coordinated global campaign denouncing US President Donald Trump’s policies on immigration, education, and security.

Protest organisers said the rallies represented a united stand against what they describe as Trump’s “autocratic ambitions.”

The London protest, held outside the US embassy, was among the earliest of over 2,600 planned gatherings across the US and abroad.

Crowds also filled plazas in Madrid and Barcelona, while thousands prepared for similar marches across American cities, towns, and suburbs.

Since taking office ten months ago, Trump has stepped up immigration crackdowns, warned universities of funding cuts over pro-Palestinian protests and diversity initiatives, and deployed National Guard troops in several states.

Critics say these moves have deepened divisions and weakened democratic norms.

“There is nothing more American than saying ‘we don’t have kings’ and exercising our right to protest,” said Leah Greenberg, co-founder of Indivisible — the group leading the campaign.

She called the marches a “peaceful show of defiance” against “authoritarian overreach.”

In US' Northern Virginia, protesters were seen marching across overpasses leading into Washington DC, while several hundred assembled near Arlington National Cemetery — close to the site where Trump has proposed a ceremonial arch linking to the Lincoln Memorial.

According to organisers, more than 300 grassroots groups have joined the movement.

The American Civil Liberties Union has trained tens of thousands of volunteers as legal marshals and de-escalation guides, while online campaigns have amplified turnout.

The protests have gained support from prominent far-left US leaders including Senator Bernie Sanders, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Several celebrities have also voiced solidarity.

Earlier in June, more than 2,000 “No Kings” marches were held in US— largely peaceful — coinciding with Trump’s 79th birthday celebration and military parade in Washington.

Trump has mostly dismissed the current wave of demonstrations.

In an interview with Fox Business on Friday, he said, “They’re referring to me as a king; I’m not a king.”

Republican leaders, however, swiftly criticised the movement.

House Speaker Mike Johnson called it a “hate-America rally,” while others warned that such protests could fuel unrest — citing the September assassination of Trump ally Charlie Kirk.

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