Millions of People Across the Country Declared “No Kings” Once Again
- lydiasnewsroom
- Oct 23, 2025
- 4 min read
Protesters spoke with Womanhood Unfiltered at the Capitol
Written/Photography by: Lydia Schoessling
WASHINGTON D.C. — Across the country, over 7 million people gathered on Oct. 18 to voice their disapproval of this current administration. At the Capitol, more than 200,000 people came out to Pennsylvania Ave & 3rd St with signs and energy. People of all ages, across the political spectrum, assembled to make one thing clear: Americans demand that their democracy remain intact.
Crowds chanted things such as “Hey hey, ho ho, Donald Trump has got to go,” and “The people united will never be defeated.” Other notable chants included “Show me what democracy looks like, this is what democracy looks like,” and “Love not hate, that’s what makes America great.”
In a public statement, No Kings organizers noted that this turnout was 14 times larger than the combined turnout for both of Trump’s inaugurations.
This march was created by around 200 organizations, including 50501 and Indivisible chapters, the American Civil Liberties Union, the Democratic Socialists of America, the American Federation of Teachers, Common Defense, the Human Rights Campaign, and more.
Womanhood Unfiltered took to the streets and spoke with a variety of protesters, all of whom shared why this protest was meaningful to them.
“We have to resist,” said Jeff Kramer, 69. “We have to be out here.”
Kramer, like many others, came out to support democracy and free speech.
“The republic is more durable than Trump,” said Steven, 59.
“Come on people, we have to make a change,” said Johnathan Male, 72. “Don’t let him overrun us.”
Male had previously lived in New York City for 15 years, and noted that Trump has “always been unbelievably cruel.” He recalled how in the 60s and 70s, Trump and his father, Fred, used to run people of color out of their apartment buildings.
The Department of Justice to sue the Trumps for discrimination in 1973, and although they refused to admit guilt, the lawsuit was settled in 1975 with a consent decree requiring their company to take specific steps to ensure fair housing practices.
Another lawsuit emerged in 1978, in which the Department of Justice accused them of failing to comply with the consent decree. While this was eventually settled again, another discrimination lawsuit in 1982 was filed by a housing advocacy group, which also ended in a settlement.
Male also brought up comments made by Trump about the Central Park 5, condemning Trump’s full-page newspaper ads demanding the reinstatement of the death penalty. In 1989, Trump’s ad read “BRING BACK THE DEATH PENALTY. BRING BACK OUR POLICE” and “They should be forced to suffer and, when they kill, they should be executed for their crimes.” The five were exonerated in 2002 after the real assailant, Matias Reyes, confessed to the assault.
Nevertheless, Trump has consistently maintained that the men were guilty and refused to apologize for his former statements. During his re-election campaign, Trump was confronted about his comments and repeated false information about the case, leading the Exonerated Five to file a defamation lawsuit against him. Trump attempted to have the case dismissed, but a federal judge denied the motion, and the lawsuit is still pending.
“He’s always been a bastard,” said Male. “I pray there is no third term.”
“There are thousands of people here with different purposes,” said Liz, 74. “From immigration, to the military, to healthcare, everyone wants to save our democracy from an autocracy. People are terrified that what happened in Germany will happen here. Congress has been spineless.”
Julie Whalen, 52, is the owner of “Lighting With Vision,” a lighting design company based in Maryland. For the last 16 years, she has dedicated herself to commercial lighting and has completed over 400 lighting projects, but Trump’s tariffs have severely impacted her business.
“Tariffs put my company out of business temporarily,” Whalen said.
Additionally, Whalen has over 40 years of experience in the construction industry and noted she wants to “fight for all women in construction” and “for fair opportunities to change infrastructure.”
Whalen is also a stroke survivor who has lost healthcare due to this administration.
“Free Luigi,” she said. “If he loses, we all lose. He’s a symbol.”
Andrew, 35, came to the march dressed up as a squirrel with a sign taped to himself that read “this is nuts.” When asked about the costume, Andrew said he “hoped everyone [had] a smile on their face” when seeing him.
“Get out from under your rock,” said Andrew. “Pay attention.”
Andrew came out with his mother, Lorna, 65. He noted that “this woman raised me right.”
“Democracy counts,” said Lorna. “Get out there and vote.”
These quotes help exemplify how Americans across the country are fighting back against this administration. People are angry, but they are determined. As the sign below states, these citizens came out with pride and love for their country, something Trump can never take away.
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