‘No Kings’ rallygoers fill NYC streets to protest Trump’s authoritarian policies, govt overreach

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: The “No Kings” rally took place on Saturday, October 18, in New York City, drawing a crowd of at least 100,000 people to Times Square. 

Participants said they were protesting what they see as authoritarian measures by President Donald Trump’s administration, including ICE raids, troop deployments in Democratic-led states, and other contentious policies.

Fox News reporters spoke directly with protesters to understand their motivations for taking to the streets of NYC. Many said they felt it was essential to publicly voice their opposition to recent government actions. 

‘No Kings’ protesters voice fears over Trump, democracy, and America’s future

The “No Kings” rally in New York City remained peaceful as protesters gathered and marched down 7th Avenue. The Fox News team was on-site at the rally, speaking with attendees about the real motive behind the demonstration.

One attendee, Ed, explained why he joined, “Because I'm an American, and I learned from history, unlike a lot of other people in this country. History repeats itself."

He continued, "People don't seem to understand that, and we're going down a slippery slope, probably halfway down there already. And if we don't stand up and protest and expand our message across America, we'll be just another one of what Trump called the s***hole countries. That's where he's leading us."

Another rally protester, Sarah, said that she is “very scared.” She said she is 74 years old and worries about everything, and she is sad.

Brad, another participant, said, “We have a fascist government in America abetted by a fascist media. And people need to have their voices be heard. There's this idea that somehow that Trump stands for America. He stands for nothing like that. He stands for hate. He stands for everything against the Constitution, everything our values are built upon, and he stands for himself and his friends and not for the great American people.”

Nicole, who said she is recovering from cancer while her husband was recently diagnosed, cited health insurance concerns as part of her motivation for attending. She said, “So, we can bomb random boats off the coast of Venezuela, spend all this money on ICE terrorizing people. So, we can take food and health care away from families. It's disgusting.”

Laura, a visitor from Seattle, said she came to New York City to participate in the rally while on vacation. She told Fox News Digital that if people do not “collectively” express their disapproval, “then we’re going to just give up.”

Other protesters expressed concerns about the state of democracy. Edgar said, “Democracy is at stake,” while Lenny referred to Trump as a “fool” and a “clown.”

The “No Kings” movement first gained national attention in June, following demonstrations held in response to the Army’s 250th anniversary military parade.

Trump rejects ‘king’ label, fires back at critics and Chuck Schumer

Donald Trump and several Republican lawmakers have pushed back against the “king” label. “They say they’re referring to me as a king. I’m not a king,” Trump told Fox News on Friday, October 17.

He said, "No, I mean, some people say they want to delay it for that. A king! This is not an act."

That’s not all. Trump also slammed Chuck Schumer, saying, "he’s being beaten by everybody that they pull against it." He continued, "Well Chuck is, you know, at the end of the line. I don’t think it matters to him. I think he’s just so dead that he’ll do anything. They made one mistake. They didn’t realize that that gives me the right to cut programs that Republicans never wanted. You know, giveaways, welfare programs, et cetera. And we’re doing that. And we’re cutting them permanently. We’re cutting a $20 billion project that Schumer fought for 15 years to get, and I’m cutting the project."

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