On Oct 18, 2025, the No Kings’ organization hosted a second series of protests across the United States. The demonstrations followed the ones in June 2025, where 5 million Americans participated. During the second No Kings protests, 7 million Americans rallied together and advocated for a broad range of subjects that they believe are underrepresented in the current administration.

30 miles south of Carlsbad in San Diego, the No Kings rally drew over 80,000 protesters to the streets at 600 Pacific Hwy, Waterfront Park. The demonstration lasted from 10:00 am to noon, where the crowd then dissipated. A sea of heads peered together across the San Diego Marina. A spectrum of ages stood alongside holding homemade signs over their heads, wearing costumes and using speakerphones to project their message.

Within the crowd, a teacher, who decided to remain anonymous, stood at the intersection of Pacific Hwy and W. Ash St with a megaphone. He spoke about ICE, President Trump and their recent actions. The crowd cheered along as he spoke.

“I want people to see that there are all kinds of messages being focused on today. It’s not just one, it’s not just for protecting democracy, it’s not just against no kings, it’s for immigration, it’s for LGBTQ rights, it’s for so many communities in our country that need to be represented right now,” he said.

The No Kings organization’s central goal is to speak up against the recent actions of President Trump. However, many people have taken the momentum of the demonstrations and decided to apply what they think should be urgently protested. 

According to the No Kings’ website, “The president thinks his rule is absolute. But in America, we don’t have kings — and we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty.”

Many who are skeptical, particularly right-wing counter-protesters, have expressed their concerns about the demonstrations that have paraded across the United States. Many argue that the protests won’t bring much change. Jonathan Alpert, a guest on Fox News, expressed similar-minded thoughts.

“The ‘No Kings’ movement allows people to feel belonging and community,” Alpert said. “Sharing grievances with like-minded people feels good, but it doesn’t necessarily change anything.” 

Raul described similar thoughts; however, he showcased optimism about the future impact of these demonstrations.

“The protest needs to continue tomorrow,” he said. “We need to continue being out here for the change to happen.”

On the other side of the marina, 39-year-old Chelsea Gods, an online content creator and activist, sang into a megaphone, taunting and cursing at Kristi Noem in a chant she composed. She rambled about recent events that were fresh in the minds of the people protesting.

“They’re sending the military after people in US cities. They’re sending the military in Portland, Chicago, Washington, DC, and they even have JD Vance here today doing a military demonstration, and you can hear the planes.”

Earlier that day, JD Vance arrived at Camp Pendleton to celebrate the Marines’ 250-year birthday. The celebration led to the premature detonation of an artillery round. Consequently, it led to the shutdown of a stretch of the I-5 freeway. It coincidentally landed on the same day as the massive rallies across the country.

“There were like a bunch of signs on the road saying ‘live weapons on the road.’ They said the freeway was closing,” said Miguel Beltran, a student at Sage Creek High who saw the interstate freeway signs earlier that morning.

The president’s response to the 2,700 demonstrations was seen on his Truth Social account, where he posted an AI-generated video. In the short video, he is seen piloting a jet, wearing a crown, while dumping feces on a crowd of protesters. 

According to NBC News, many Americans have reacted negatively and called out the president for the normalcy of AI-generated responses towards critics and his unconventional, improper professionalism.

Gods explained about the dangers that this current administration poses to the American people and the weakening of the constitutional amendments’ foundation.

“The First Amendment of the Constitution is freedom of speech. And if you don’t use it during this administration, you will lose it,” said Gods. “Do not normalize what is happening.”