'No Kings' protests return as Trump ramps up authoritarian practices, organizers say

Source: AP

Updated 7:02 AM EDT, October 17, 2025


Big crowds of protesters are expected Saturday in thousands of places around the U.S. in opposition to what some are characterizing as increasingly authoritarian practices by President Donald Trump. It’s the second “No Kings” protest and third mass movement against the administration this year, and it comes amid an intensifying conflict between federal law enforcement and protesters nationwide.

Some conservative politicians have condemned the protests as “Hate America” rallies, while others say that it represents a “patriotic” fight for First Amendment rights. Here is what to expect on Saturday.

Organizers aim to boost political engagement

Ezra Levin, a leading organizer of Saturday’s protests, said the demonstrations are a response to what he called Trump’s “crackdown on First Amendment rights.”

Levin, the co-executive director of the nonprofit Indivisible, pointed to Trump’s sweeping immigration crackdown, his unprecedented promises to use federal power to influence midterm elections, restrictions on press freedom and retribution against political opponents. He said those steps cumulatively represented a direct threat to constitutionally protected rights.

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/no-kings-protests-trump-immigration-first-amendment-f04e7a4728c10b694f540bcef0646370

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Got a traffic advisory text this morning from the city about the one here that goes from 11:00 - 3:30 pm, with a march from City Hall (at Broad & Market) to Independence Hall (at 6th & Market). The Philly Bike Ride 2025 will be from 7:30 am - 12:30 pm so that will be starting before then (with a little overlap at the end). Saw this article about the overlap - https://www.phillyvoice.com/philly-bike-ride-no-kings-rally-road-closures-saturday/

Weather will be spectacular (no rain, which is why we're in a drought ) and relatively "warm" for fall (high in the upper 60s downtown).