“No Kings” or “Hate America”? Nationwide Protests Set to Test Divided U.S.

Millions of Americans are expected to gather this Saturday, Oct. 18, in a new wave of “No Kings” protests that organizers say will span all 50 states — and that Republicans are condemning as a “hate America rally.”

The movement, which first gained traction in June with mass demonstrations opposing President Trump’s leadership, now returns amid a prolonged government shutdown and growing tensions over Trump’s military deployments in Democratic-led cities.

Supported by groups such as the ACLU, MoveOn, Indivisible, and the American Federation of Teachers, the movement insists it stands for equality, democracy, and the rule of law.

Yet critics, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and other GOP leaders, claim the rallies are politically motivated stunts designed to distract from Democratic infighting and legislative gridlock.

With more than 2,500 events planned, a $1 million ad campaign promoting the protests, and fears of potential unrest, the “No Kings” movement has once again placed the nation’s political divide under a glaring spotlight — raising questions about whether these demonstrations represent genuine civic action or a carefully staged political performance.