FROM ABC NEWS: Activists and advocacy groups are staging a second round of “No Kings” protests across the country on Saturday in response to what they call abuse of power by President Donald Trump and his administration, including his immigration crackdown and his sending troops into American cities.
The daylong “No Kings” protests set for Oct. 18 follow up on the thousands held in mid-June. They are being run by a coalition of organizations including the American Civil Liberties Union, Indivisible, 50501 and others. Organizers say there are more than 2,600 events planned nationwide — including major cities such as New York; Washington, D.C.; Chicago and Los Angeles — and say millions are expected to attend.
They have been “organized by regular people, by volunteers,” Deirdre Schifeling, chief political and advocacy officer of the ACLU, told ABC News.
While organizers have not released details on fundraising ahead of the protests, and the coalition has remained relatively decentralized, a few groups have indicated either heavy spending to promote the rallies or planned star power to increase buzz around them.
To raise awareness and encourage attendance, celebrities will be joining the events. Sites have advertised that Jane Fonda, Kerry Washington, John Legend, Alan Cumming, and John Leguizamo are all attending events, according to the political action committee Progressive Change Campaign Committee.
“We’ll be in the streets for immigrant families under attack and for voters who are being silenced. For communities being terrorized by militarized policing. For families who are about to lose their health insurance. And for every single person whose rights are threatened by this administration’s cruelty,” the group said in the email.
Republicans say the protests are an excuse for the Democratic Party to continue with the ongoing federal government shutdown.
“The truth is — what Democrats really want is something Republicans can’t give them. And that is the approval of their far-left base,” Thune said.
Trump also commented on the rallies, telling Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo on Thursday, “They’re referring to me as a king. I’m not a king.”
Meanwhile, states are preparing for violence.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) has “directed the Dept. of Public Safety and National Guard to surge forces into Austin” ahead of the rallies.
“Texas will NOT tolerate chaos. Anyone destroying property or committing acts of violence will be swiftly arrested,” Abbott added.
Today, I directed the Dept. of Public Safety and National Guard to surge forces into Austin ahead of an Antifa-linked protest.
Texas will NOT tolerate chaos.
Anyone destroying property or committing acts of violence will be swiftly arrested.
Law and order will be enforced.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) October 16, 2025
READ MORE AT ABC NEWS
