Sports-lover turned journalist, born and bred in Scotland, with a passion for football (soccer). He’s also a keen follower of NFL, NBA, golf and tennis, among others, and always has an eye on the latest in science, tech and current affairs. As Managing Editor at AS USA, uses background in operations and marketing to drive improvements for reader satisfaction.
Update:
Across the United States, millions turned out for the “No Kings” protests, a defiant show of dissent against President Donald Trump’s expanding use of executive power. From New York’s packed Times Square to the streets of Washington, Chicago and Los Angeles, the message was unmistakable: democracy, not monarchy. Homemade placards and hand-painted banners dominated the crowds, some angry, others darkly funny or heartbreakingly honest, as Americans of all ages rallied to warn that the country’s democratic institutions were under threat.
“This is what democracy looks like”
Though Trump and his allies followed the playbook and dismissed the events as a “hate-America rally,” organisers called it a peaceful assertion of civic power – a reminder, they said, that the president is not a king. With chants of “This is what democracy looks like” echoing through cities and small-towns alike, the protests became as much a gallery of political creativity as a political act.
Here are some of the most striking, clever and moving signs from a historic day of dissent... with a few strong words at times.
A person holds up a poster as demonstrators gather at Portland's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility after a large "No Kings" protest in Portland, Oregon, U.S., October 18, 2025. REUTERS/John RudoffJohn Rudoff
A drag queen holds a balance scale while attending a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's policies, in Portland, Oregon, U.S., October 18, 2025. REUTERS/John RudoffJohn RudoffPastor Jim Rigby of Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church addresses the crowd while Beto O'Rourke listens during a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's policies, in Austin, Texas, U.S., October 18, 2025. REUTERS/Nuri VallbonaNuri Vallbona
People march away from the Texas Capitol during a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's policies, in Austin, Texas, U.S., October 18, 2025. REUTERS/Nuri VallbonaNuri VallbonaTexas State Troopers keep an eye on the Capitol grounds during a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's policies, in Austin, Texas, U.S., October 18, 2025. REUTERS/Nuri VallbonaNuri VallbonaProtesters across the U.S. and the globe take to the streets against Trump administration policies.Carlos BarriaA demonstrator wearing a large mask depicting U.S. President Donald Trump holds a sign during a protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's policies, outside City Hall in Los Angeles, California, U.S., October 18, 2025. REUTERS/Daniel ColeDaniel ColePeople wear signs as they walk during a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's policies, outside City Hall in Los Angeles, California, U.S., October 18, 2025. REUTERS/Daniel ColeDaniel ColeProtesters hold signs and pray during the "No Kings" rally at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix, Arizona, U.S., October 18, 2025. REUTERS/Rebecca NobleRebecca NoblePeople march with a banner during a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's policies, outside City Hall in Los Angeles, California, U.S., October 18, 2025. REUTERS/Daniel ColeDaniel ColeA man holds up a sign during a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's policies, outside City Hall in Los Angeles, California, U.S., October 18, 2025. REUTERS/Daniel ColeDaniel ColePeople march away from the Texas Capitol during a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's policies, in Austin, Texas, U.S., October 18, 2025. REUTERS/Nuri VallbonaNuri VallbonaSENSITIVE MATERIAL. THIS IMAGE MAY OFFEND OR DISTURB People hold signs during a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's policies, in Austin, Texas, U.S., October 18, 2025. REUTERS/Nuri VallbonaNuri VallbonaProtesters hold signs as they participate in a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's policies, outside City Hall in Los Angeles, California, U.S., October 18, 2025. REUTERS/Daniel ColeDaniel Cole
People wear inflatable costumes during a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's policies, in San Francisco, California, U.S., October 18, 2025. REUTERS/Carlos BarriaCarlos BarriaA demonstrator holds a sign as people gather for a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's policies, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., October 18, 2025. REUTERS/Jim VondruskaJim VondruskaSENSITIVE MATERIAL. THIS IMAGE MAY OFFEND OR DISTURB A demonstrator carries a placard with an image depicting U.S. President Donald Trump at a "No Kings" protest against Trump's policies, in San Francisco, California, U.S., October 18, 2025. REUTERS/Carlos BarriaCarlos BarriaA demonstrator holds a sign as people gather for a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's policies, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S., October 18, 2025. REUTERS/Jim VondruskaJim VondruskaPeople hold placards during a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's policies, in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S., October 18, 2025. REUTERS/Alyssa PointerAlyssa PointerDemonstrators carry placards with images depicting U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, during a "No Kings" protest against Trump's policies, in New York City, U.S., October 18, 2025. REUTERS/Eduardo MunozEduardo MunozDemonstrators hold placards during a "No Kings" protest against U.S. President Donald Trump's policies, in Washington, D.C., U.S., October 18, 2025. REUTERS/Kylie CooperKylie Cooper
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