Cory Booker joins ‘No Kings’ rallies, backs democracy chants at nationwide protests
WASHINGTON, DC: Senator Cory Booker joined thousands of demonstrators across the country on Saturday, October 18, lending his voice and presence to the 'No Kings' movement that has swept through major American cities.
In a video posted to X, Booker was seen leading a group of protesters in a chant of “This is what democracy looks like,” surrounded by crowds carrying bright signs and wearing inflatable costumes.
The short clip showed Booker smiling and gesturing toward the camera as demonstrators echoed his chant. Inflatable eagles, dinosaurs, and other playful costumes filled the scene, creating a festive yet politically charged atmosphere. “Thank you,” Booker told the cheering crowd.
Walking through the No Kings rally, and seeing it thousands of times over across the country, has me awestruck. So many Americans are ready to stand against corruption and fight for a lower cost of living. I’m honored to stand with them. pic.twitter.com/XqBZxTFTIV
— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 18, 2025
Democrats show solidarity with ‘No Kings’ rallies
Earlier that morning, former second gentleman Doug Emhoff and his son Cole Emhoff attended a 'No Kings' demonstration in Santa Monica, California. Emhoff shared a photo of himself holding a pink sign that read, “If Kamala Had Won We’d Be At Brunch! 'No Kings.'” His post, captioned “'No Kings' Santa Monica,” quickly gained traction online.
🚨BREAKING: Doug Emhoff, husband of Kamala Harris, shows up at the ‘No Kings’ protest in Santa Monica. pic.twitter.com/7kAah9F7jl
— Jack (@jackunheard) October 18, 2025
Across the country, similar scenes unfolded in New York, Washington, DC, and Lansing, Michigan, with demonstrators dressed as frogs, cats, unicorns, and even Cookie Monster while waving 'No Kings' placards.
Prominent Democrats including Senator Chuck Schumer and Representative Adam Schiff also praised the demonstrations on social media. Schumer described marching “side-by-side with labor unions and so many more of our fellow citizens in NYC,” while Schiff thanked “the many millions” who participated nationwide.
Today as millions of Americans rally across this country for No Kings Day:
— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) October 18, 2025
I proudly marched side-by-side with labor unions and so many more of our fellow citizens in NYC.
We have no dictators in America. And we won’t allow Trump to keep eroding our democracy. pic.twitter.com/i0MZU6JI0k
Meanwhile, conservative lawyer George Conway, a known Trump critic, was spotted at a DC-area protest wearing a shirt that read, “I am Antifa.”
Questions raised about protest funding networks
Despite the light-hearted tone of the rallies, an investigation by Fox News Digital suggested that the 'No Kings' movement is backed by a network of Democratic nonprofits, labor unions, and PACs, including groups linked to billionaire donor George Soros. The report also noted the involvement of organizations associated with anti-Israel activism, some of which have called for a “global intifada.”
Republican lawmakers have since demanded inquiries into the financing of these demonstrations. President Donald Trump and his congressional allies have long argued for increased scrutiny of left-wing activist networks, citing potential violations of nonprofit and tax laws.
Booker’s future political ambitions
Booker’s participation in the 'No Kings' event came just days after he hinted at possible presidential ambitions. During a recent appearance on MSNBC’s 'The Beat', the New Jersey senator said he was “not taking anything off the table” regarding a 2028 White House run.
For now, however, his focus appeared firmly on the streets—rallying alongside voters and activists.
