‘No Kings’ rally brings frogs, hippos and whimsical costumes to the streets

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: The 'No Kings' rally became one of 2025’s most striking political moments, driven by opposition to President Donald Trump’s administration.

On Saturday, October 18, protests took place across all 50 states, according to The Guardian. But beyond the political messaging, what captured the spotlight were the playful, often satirical costumes.

Demonstrators wore frog, hippo, shark, panda, and clown suits, along with bright yellow bird outfits and other whimsical disguises.

A closer look at costumes and slogans at the ‘No Kings’ rally

Millions joined the second wave of ‘No Kings’ protests, transforming streets into carnivals of color and satire. Across more than 2,600 cities and towns, demonstrators arrived dressed in inflatable frog suits, hippos, pandas, sharks, dinosaurs, and even unicorns—each chosen as a lighthearted symbol of resistance and unity.

In Portland, Oregon, the frog costume stood out as the unofficial mascot of the movement, originally adopted to mock claims that the city was “under siege.” In Mountain View, California, marchers in hippo suits danced through the crowds, choosing joy over anger.

In Connecticut, protesters dressed as aliens, turkeys, astronauts, and dinosaurs, while in Colorado, inflatable pandas and sharks dominated the scene. From Bozeman, Montana to New York City, Chicago, Longmont, and Shelburne, creativity and humor replaced hostility.

Many wore yellow—the color organizers chose to symbolize unity and peace. Alongside the costumes came chants, music, and handmade signs carrying messages louder than any speech.

In Bozeman, Montana, protesters in yellow and pink dinosaur suits filled Main Street, while in Portland, thousands danced in frog costumes to Cat Stevens’ ‘Peace Train’, as per KBZK News. 

In Bozeman, Montana, protesters in yellow and pink dinosaur suits filled Main Street, while in Portland, thousands danced in frog costumes to Cat Stevens’ ‘Peace Train.’

In Rexburg, Idaho, a dog named Duncan became a crowd favorite, wearing a small protest sign around his neck.

Crowds in Manhattan combined performance and protest, with participants dressed as the clowns and other patriotic figures, holding signs that read "'No Kings' in America."

In Chicago’s Grant Park, demonstrators in inflatable yellow bird suits carried banners, including one that read “Get ICE out of Chicago.”

In Longmont, Colorado, one protester dressed as a Star Wars Wookie held a sign saying, “Wookies Against the Empire.”

Meanwhile, in Shelburne, Vermont, protesters donned pink costumes and carried slogans reflecting solidarity and humor.

Even abroad, the movement found traction. In Lisbon, Portugal, American expats held their own ‘No Kings’ protest at Praça do Comércio, joining the global wave of demonstrations.

The sea of yellow and humor-driven defiance showed that the spirit of protest had no borders.

Donald Trump and Republican leaders criticize ‘No Kings’ protests

Donald Trump dismissed the protests, saying, “They say they’re referring to me as a king. I’m not a king,” during an interview at his Mar-a-Lago residence.

House Speaker Mike Johnson labeled the demonstrations as “Hate America rallies,” while Senators Roger Marshall and Ted Cruz baselessly claimed the protests were funded by George Soros. Some even suggested deploying the National Guard.