Written for The Argo by Danna Urias and Kayla Lavecchia 

The second No Kings Day protest on October 18 marked a period where more than 7 million people nationwide and across all 50 states used their voices to speak out against the Trump administration and say “No Kings in America”. 

In the nation’s capital, organizers estimate that around 200,000 people gathered in Washington, D.C. for the No Kings Protest. The energy at the protest was a mix of anger, frustration, hope, and empowerment.

It took place on the National Mall and surrounding streets in Washington, DC. The event was scheduled from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., with a march down the Mall starting at the Smithsonian Metro Station at 10:30 a.m.

Protesters from across the DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area made a point to show up, seeking change in the White House. Attendees from all over the world and of all ages united, marching, holding signs, waving the DC flag, and flags from different countries.

High-profile speakers, including U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and educator Bill Nye, were scheduled to speak at the D.C. rally, along with Keya Chatterjee, co-founder of the Free D.C. movement.

Emerson College journalism student Lis De Sá Fonseca, currently in Washington, D.C. through The Washington Center Program and was reporting on the protest, spoke about her experience covering the event.

Fonseca told The Argo that, “The crowd was positive. People dressed up and all different kinds of signs. They definitely executed their plan to remain non-violent. It was a peaceful protest. It was interesting for me to see local law enforcement and firefighters handing out cold water bottles to the protesters. There was a beautiful sense of community that bridged parties. It was inspiring to witness.”

During the protest, the atmosphere remained calm. When people in the crowd struggled with the heat, protest helpers quickly handed out water. Medics responded promptly when someone fell, and after the event, firefighters and police officers distributed cold water bottles to attendees.

Officers were seen smiling as they patrolled the streets of the National Mall. Many attendees sat around enjoying the warm, pleasant weather, while others walked along the Mall and Pennsylvania Avenue with their signs. Throughout the event, many chanted slogans like “FREE DC” and “NO KINGS.”

A particularly powerful moment was when Chatterjee told the crowd that the capital “[ultimately], yes, we will be admitted as the 51st state of the United States of America,” prompting loud cheers and chants of “FREE DC.”

The No Kings protest brought together people from across the DMV and beyond to gather at the National Mall. Throughout the day, attendees listened to speeches, chanted, and marched to express their views. As the protest concluded, protesters swore to keep fighting and ensure their voices were heard. Now, the big question is: how will the White House respond?

Over 150 miles away from Washington D.C., right outside of Stockton’s Atlantic City campus in O’Donnell Memorial Park was another of the hundreds of organized protests that occurred. Reverend Collins A. Days Sr. of Second Baptist Church in Atlantic City says the White House’s response was, “[two] words. ‘Who Cares?’ We’ve come today to say, ‘We care’’’.

The march and rally was about four hours long—it began at Missouri Avenue and the Boardwalk in Atlantic City at 2:00 p.m. and continued to O’Donnell Memorial Park. The speakers were members of Atlantic County residents—from high schools to religious citizens to New Jersey citizens that have just said, “[we] have had enough.” 

Days Sr. reminded protestors, “We’ve come from different religions, different cultures, but we’ve united in one voice—and that voice is a cacophony from millions around the country who have the same idea.” 

Other speakers and advocates, with the same message of awareness and education were Galloway resident Theresa McReynolds; nurse and advocate for healthcare, Lisa Bonnano; union leader Melissa Tomlinson; an immigrants’ rights leader as well as community organizer, Cristian Moreno; poet and speaker L’oreal Vintage, and many more members of the local community who were passionate about keeping kings and dictators out of America, and out of New Jersey. Their speeches and works were calls of action for policy, for rights, and for justice. 

The power to make changes does not just start with protesting; it also continues with education and voting. The gubernatorial election will be taking place on November 4, 2025—this is when citizens across the state get to act locally for their rights and policies, and reinforce that they care.