No Kings Movement: The New Wave of Democratic Resistance in the United States

Manifestantes protestando - movimento No Kings

The origin and expansion of the No Kings movement

In 2025, the United States witnessed the emergence of the No Kings movement , a political and social phenomenon that quickly became one of the largest civic mobilizations in the country's recent history. The name—"No Kings"—expresses a fundamental idea: the rejection of any form of concentrated, authoritarian, or lawless power. Inspired by the founding principles of the American republic, the movement emerged as a direct response to what its organizers describe as the "monarchical tendency" of Donald Trump's second-term administration.

The first signs of organization emerged in April 2025, in digital forums and progressive networks like Indivisible and the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union). The national mobilization gained momentum on June 14, 2025 , with more than 2,100 simultaneous protests in all 50 American states—an unprecedented feat since the civil rights marches.

The No Kings movement was driven by a simple and powerful message: "In America, we don't do kings." This phrase became the motto of a generation seeking to reaffirm the republican principle that no one is above the law—not presidents, not billionaires, not corporations.

Democracy at risk and the motivations of the No Kings movement

The motivations behind the No Kings movement go beyond mere opposition to a government. They reflect a collective sense of alarm about the future of American democracy. According to its leaders, there is a growing concentration of executive power , accompanied by an erosion of independent institutions and the militarization of cities by federal forces.

Among the factors that catalyzed the movement are:

• The expansion of presidential powers by unilateral decrees;

• The dispatch of federal forces to contain local protests;

• Hardened immigration policies;

• The increasing influence of billionaires and media conglomerates on political decisions;

• The perception that the electoral and legal system is being instrumentalized.

The movement brings together progressive organizations, unions, religious communities, student groups, and civil rights advocates , creating a coalition of over 200 entities. This breadth lends legitimacy and diversity to its agendas, although it poses the challenge of aligning practical objectives under a common banner.

The structure and strength of mobilization

The No Kings movement was designed to be decentralized and autonomous. Each state has local committees that coordinate demonstrations, produce informational materials, and organize community assemblies. This networked structure reflects a new model of political resistance in the US: horizontal, digital, and citizen-based.

The main networking tool is nokingsmovement.com , where participants can register events, download posters, and access safety and peaceful conduct guides. Organizers recommend the color "Resistance Yellow" as a visual symbol of unity.

The days of mobilization follow a logic of "national waves." The first major demonstration took place in June; the second, on October 18, 2025 , expanded its international reach, with solidarity marches in London, Paris, and São Paulo. The global presence reinforced the message that defending American democracy is also a universal struggle.

Symbols and language of movement

The No Kings movement draws heavily on American historical symbolism. The phrases "No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings" appear on posters and banners, evoking the American Revolution of 1776. The use of republican icons and vibrant colors creates a collective imagery that harks back to the founding of the United States—when colonists rejected the British monarchy and proclaimed rule by the people.

During protests, it's common to see artistic performances, music, and theatrical performances that satirize the idea of a "king." This cultural and creative language seeks to communicate, in an accessible way, the dangers of centralized power and the importance of democratic vigilance.

The Political Impact of the No Kings Movement

The impact of the No Kings movement is noticeable on several levels. Politically, it pressures legislators and governors to uphold constitutional principles. Several Democratic and independent congressmen have formally declared their support for the demonstrations, while Republican representatives have labeled them "unpatriotic."

Recent research shows that, after the outbreak of protests, public trust in democratic institutions increased by 14% , according to a survey by the Pew Research Center (2025). Furthermore, there was a significant increase in new voter registration, especially among young people aged 18 to 25, which could influence the 2026 electoral landscape.

Internal criticism and challenges

Like any mass movement, the No Kings movement faces internal and external criticism. Some supporters point to the lack of concrete proposals —such as bills or specific reforms—that would transform the energy of the streets into institutional change. Others warn of the risk of fragmentation, as the coalition includes members ranging from moderate liberals to socialist activists.

On the other hand, conservative opponents accuse the movement of being a thinly disguised "anti-Trump campaign," funded by major donors and media outlets. Organizers reject this narrative, asserting that the cause is "pro-democracy," not partisan.

The No Kings Movement and the Future of American Democracy

The No Kings movement has become a test of the vitality of America's democratic institutions. By positioning itself as a brake on authoritarianism, it revives the spirit of civic resistance that gave birth to the country. Its success or failure will depend on its ability to maintain cohesion, formulate clear proposals, and resist the political fatigue that often plagues popular movements.

The challenge now is to transform outrage into sustainable political action—at the ballot box, in the courts, and in civic culture. The true victory of the No Kings movement lies not only in the crowded streets, but in building a future where power truly belongs to the people.

Conclusion: No Kings — A New Republican Pact

The No Kings movement symbolizes more than a protest against a government. It represents a reaffirmation of the American social contract—one that rejects tyranny and exalts civic responsibility. In a context of polarization and institutional distrust, it reignites the debate over what it means to be a republic.

Whether in large cities or small towns, millions of citizens repeat the same message: "No man is king. No power is absolute. Democracy belongs to the people." Time will tell whether the No Kings movement will be remembered as a fleeting episode or as the beginning of a new era of political engagement in the United States.

References (ABNT)

AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION (ACLU). About the No Kings Movement . Available at: https://nokingsmovement.com/pages/about . Accessed on: October 23, 2025.

ECONOMIC TIMES. No Kings Protest Today: Who Is Organizing and Funding the Nationwide Demonstration . 2025. Available at: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/no-kings-protest-today . Accessed on: 23 Oct. 2025.

EURONEWS. Millions across all 50 US states march in No Kings protests against Trump . 2025. Available at: https://www.euronews.com/2025/10/18/no-kings-protests . Accessed on: 23 Oct. 2025.

THE GUARDIAN. No Kings Protests Sweep America: What to Expect at Saturday's Marches . 2025. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/oct/18/no-kings-protests-events-states . Accessed on: 23 Oct. 2025.

TIME MAGAZINE. No Kings Organizers Predict Peaceful Gathering Amid Fears of Crackdown . 2025. Available at: https://time.com/7326346/no-kings-protest-violence-oct-18/ . Accessed on: October 23, 2025.

VANITY FAIR. “Never Surrender”: No Kings Takes on Special Urgency in Chicago . 2025. Available at: https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/no-kings-chicago-protest . Accessed on: October 23, 2025.

WIKIPEDIA. No Kings Protests (June 2025) . 2025. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_Kings_protests_(June_2025) . Accessed on: October 23, 2025.

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