No Kings’ Protest in America

Three months after the first wave, the ‘No Kings’ protests have returned across U.S. cities. Thousands of Americans rallied once again to challenge the Trump administration’s policies and defend American democracy.

What is the ‘No Kings’ Protest in America?

Recently, millions of Americans rallied under the banner of ‘No Kings’ protest. They initiated the protest against President Trump’s authoritarian policies.
No Kings protests took place on October 18, 2025. Consequently, a series of demonstrations took place in some 2,700 locations across the United States against Donald Trump’s policies and actions during his second presidency.
Drawing inspiration from the ‘3.5% rule’, the movement stresses non-violence, civic participation and constitutional principle. It highlights that power belongs to the people.
In July 2024, the US Supreme Court ruled that former presidents enjoy substantial immunity from criminal prosecution for official acts.
However, this landmark decision sparked immediate and intense debate. Protesters gathered outside the Supreme Court, brandishing signs with a powerful, historical slogan: “No Kings in America.”
The movement adopted ‘yellow’ as its unifying colour. It is a reminder that America belongs to its people, not to kings.
More than seven million people joined over 2,700 “No Kings” events across all fifty states, surpassing even the record turnout from the first wave of protests in June.
Along with the United States, solidarity for the protest appeared in London, Berlin, Madrid, Paris, and Toronto, with crowds outside US embassies chanting in unison: “No Kings, No Dictators, No Tyrants”.

The reason for the movement are:

Anger of civil society over a series of policies that violated democratic norms.
Deployment of federal forces in cities.
Deportation of immigrants without due process.
Reducing government support to healthcare and environmental programmes, and
Open defiance of court rulings.

Earlier events related to No Kings Protest:

Firstly, the ‘No Kings’ protest appeared in June 14, 2025. Millions of Americans took to the streets to oppose the administration’s use of federal forces in U.S. cities.
As a result, being a pro-democracy and pro-worker protest, it emphasised on the idea that American power rests with its citizens, not with kings.
Internationally, people referred this protest as ‘No Dictators or No Tyrants protests’.
It was a series of demonstrations largely in the United States, against authoritarian policies of Donald Trump and corruption in his administration.
June 14, 2025 was labelled as No Kings Day by the participants as it was the U.S. Army’s 250th Anniversary Parade and Trump’s 79th birthday.
As part of the coalition, more than 200 groups joined the movement including 50501 Movement. Furthermore, the Third Act Movement, American Federation of Teachers, Social Security Works, Communications Workers of America, American Civil Liberties Union and Public Citizen also joined.

American Revolution (1765-1783)

The American Revolution (1765–1783) was a pivotal ideological and political struggle in which the thirteen American colonies fought to gain independence from Colonial rule.
Moreover, a series of issues such as taxation without representation, trade restrictions, and authoritarian governance under King George III urged the revolutionaries to establish a government based on liberty, equality, and self-determination.
Furthermore, key events like the Boston Tea Party, the Declaration of Independence (1776), and the Revolutionary War incited colonial resistance and ultimately led to the creation of the United States of America.
The revolution secured political independence for the Americans. In addition, it inspired ideas of democracy, human rights, and civic participation that continue to influence nations around the world.

American Revolution’s Influence on ‘No Kings’ Protest:

Firstly, the recent “No Kings” protests in the United States echo the spirit of the American Revolution, when colonists rose against the rule of King George III and rejected monarchy in favour of self-governance.
Secondly, much like the revolutionaries of the 1770s who demanded accountability, representation, and the protection of rights, today’s demonstrators are rallying against perceived authoritarian tendencies in government.
In addition, by invoking the slogan “No Kings,” protesters are drawing a direct line from the nation’s founding principles to contemporary concerns. It emphasises that in a democracy, no individual is above the law. Citizens must remain vigilant to safeguard their freedoms.

Why is ‘No Kings’ Protest relevant for UPSC CSE and other State PCS Exams?

For an aspirant of UPSC Civil Services Exam and other State PCS Exams, this event links to different topics of the syllabus. Here’s how it links to your syllabus:

GS Paper II: Polity & Governance – Comparison of Constitutions

Philosophical Foundations: The protest highlights the fundamental difference between the Indian and US constitutions regarding executive power.
- USA: Born out of a revolt against a monarchy, its system is built on a separation of powers and checks and balances. It aims to prevent the emergence of a king-like figure.
- India: While the President of India is the head of the state, he is nominal head of the state. We adopted the British Parliamentary system. The real executive power rests with the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, who are directly responsible to the Lok Sabha.
Doctrine of Checks and Balances: The protest is a real-world test of this doctrine. The UPSC often asks questions on this concept. This event allows you to discuss how the Judiciary (Supreme Court ruling) is being checked by the People (public protest and dissent) and could potentially be checked by the Legislature.
Concept of Immunity: You can contrast the scope of immunity for the President of India (Article 361) with the newly interpreted immunity for the US President.

GS Paper IV: Ethics & Human Interface

Moral Reasoning in Governance: The core ethical dilemma here is Accountability vs. Functional Independence. Should a top executive be shielded from prosecution to ensure fearless decision-making, or should absolute accountability be the supreme principle.
Civil Service Values: This debate directly ties into the values you are expected to uphold as a future civil servant: integrity, impartiality, and accountability to the public. We can use this example to argue how the fear of a powerful, unaccountable executive can erode public trust in democratic institutions.

Essay Paper & GS Paper I (Society)

Power of Slogans: The phrase “No Kings in America” is a powerful tool for your essay. It connects a contemporary issue to a nation’s historical memory and social philosophy. We can use it in essays on topics like “Power Corrupts, Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely,” “The Spirit of Democracy,” or “Lessons from Revolutions.”
Social Movements & Protest: Analyse this as a form of civic participation and dissent in a mature democracy. Compare and contrast it with protest movements in India, discussing methods, legal frameworks, and impact.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the No Kings Protest reflects a broader movement in the U.S. that challenges entrenched authority and questions traditional power structures. Rooted in a legacy of civic activism and fuelled by contemporary social and political concerns, these protests demonstrate the enduring spirit of democratic engagement.

Moreover, the ‘No Kings’ protest is more than a political event. It is a living lesson in democratic principles. For a UPSC aspirant, it highlights the idea that the syllabus is not a set of isolated topics but how ideas relate to each other. Understanding such global events enriches your perspective and adds uniqueness to your answers. Furthermore, it prepares you not just for an exam, but for a career in public service where upholding the constitutional ethos is paramount.

Sources:

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