In one of the largest coordinated demonstrations of 2025, millions of Americans — joined by some of Hollywood’s biggest names — took to the streets on October 18 to take part in the “No Kings” protests, a nationwide movement calling for the protection of democracy and the rule of law amid renewed political turmoil.

Celebrities Join the Movement

From Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., celebrities including Pedro Pascal, Kerry Washington, Jamie Lee Curtis, Glenn Close, Bill Nye, and Leighton Meester were spotted standing alongside protesters, holding handmade signs and sharing their messages online.

Pedro Pascal posted photos from the Los Angeles rally, captioning:

“#NoKings #LosAngeles — Protect democracy.”

Kerry Washington expressed gratitude on social media, writing:

“Sending so much love and gratitude to everyone who showed out for #NoKings today.”

Meanwhile, Jamie Lee Curtis highlighted the creativity of protest signs, sharing a photo carousel with the caption:

“Signs of the times. Democracy in action. #NoKings.”

Glenn Close also joined the movement, posting a selfie with her “No Kings” placard, adding a quote from Abraham Lincoln:

“Government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from this earth.”

Science educator Bill Nye spoke passionately at a rally in Washington, D.C., declaring:

“We are here demanding a return to the rule of law. Let the world know — we will suffer no king.”

Massive Nationwide Turnout

According to organizers, an estimated 7 million people participated in the October protests — roughly 2 million more than the previous “No Kings” demonstrations held in June. NBC News reported that major cities including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, and San Francisco saw record-breaking turnouts.

The movement’s slogan, “No Kings,” was born out of frustration over what participants view as authoritarian tendencies in U.S. leadership. Protesters emphasized that the demonstrations were not tied to any political party but to the defense of democracy itself.

Robert De Niro Speaks Out

The day after the protests, Robert De Niro appeared on MSNBC to discuss the demonstrations and condemn Trump’s continued influence on American politics.

“I’m very happy to see that because that’s what we need — much more of it going forward,” De Niro said.
“Politicians have to realize they can either face the wrath of Trump or the wrath of the people — and they’d better be more afraid of the people.”

The legendary actor didn’t hold back, urging citizens not to stay silent:

“You have to face a bully, fight him, and back him down. That’s the only way this is going to work.”

Later in the interview, De Niro also praised New York Attorney General Letitia James for her ongoing legal battles, bluntly adding:

“She’s fighting back. She’s saying, ‘F*** you, I’m not afraid of him.’ And God bless her for that.”

Trump Responds from Air Force One

President Donald Trump addressed the protests while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on October 19, dismissing them as “a joke.”

“I looked at the people — they’re not representative of this country,” he said.
“Those brand-new signs? Looks like they were paid for by Soros and the radical left lunatics. The demonstrations were very small, very ineffective.”

When asked about the “No Kings” slogan, Trump replied:

“I’m not a king. I work my ass off to make this country great. That’s all it is.”

The Meaning Behind ‘No Kings’

What began as a grassroots slogan has now evolved into a full-blown democratic movement. The phrase “No Kings” serves as a reminder that American governance was built to resist authoritarian rule — a principle that many believe is once again being tested.

With millions in the streets and high-profile figures like De Niro, Pascal, and Washington lending their voices, the October demonstrations underscored one powerful message:

In a democracy, no one — not even a president — stands above the people.