NO KINGS
October 24, 2025
Abby Black
The afternoon of October 18, 2025 was a delightfully sunny and crisp 70 degrees — perfect jeans and t-shirt weather. A light breeze gently coaxed the bright and colorful leaves from their branches to dance with it on the way to the ground.
At first I thought nothing of the honking down the street; I live in a busy area and there’s noise all the time, so I assumed another fender bender. But the expected emergency vehicles didn’t sound and the honking only grew louder and more often. Then I heard shouting and chaos. At this point, I left the house to see what was the matter.
My town hardly ever sees organized protests, and the last parade was many Christmases ago. Imagine my surprise as I arrive in my front yard to find a line of people marching past my house! They were waving American, Pride, and Palestinian flags and carrying all sorts of signs, a few were in full-body inflatable costumes, and one man in a sports bra and tennis skirt who held nothing and said nothing. Cars honked enthusiastically as they drove by. I knew that the nationwide No Kings protests were scheduled for today, but had no idea one was to come to my hometown!
As the protestors walked past, I waved and said hello, and “Lovely day today!” Occasionally someone would shout “No kings!” And I repeatedly replied, “That’s right! Not since 1776,” and “Yes! We’re a constitutional republic,” and “God bless America!” The protestors responded with loud and hearty agreements.
The march went on for about an hour. Eventually, three organizers in yellow No Kings shirts brought up the end of the line, idly chatting amongst themselves about stragglers. At the edge of my property, they stepped into the road and watched the protestors march back up on the opposite side of the street. After a while, the organizers joined them back toward downtown. I found out later that a sitting Town Commissioner running for Mayor and other individuals running for Commissioner(1) whipped up the crowd on how Donald Trump is not a king and that soldiers swear an oath to the Constitution and not to a person.
But this wasn’t just in my town. No Kings was in all 50 states in multiple cities. They were also, for some reason, in Canada, the United Kingdom, and other European countries. It’s interesting to note that No Kings protests Trump outside the United States.
Also, are there not bigger fish than Trump? A President is encumbered on all sides by Constitutional limitations while other people amass power and influence from the shadows. It’s the people we don’t hear about who are the true ‘kings’ in America.
No Kings has no shortage of friends according to their partners page.(2) There’s the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), whose major donations include Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign, prominent congressional Democrats, and money-launderer(3) ActBlue.(4) Other partners include the American Humanist Association which also donates to prominent Democrats like Kamala Harris, Jamie Raskin, and Pramila Jayapal;(5) social justice proponent Carolina for All;(6) Democrat mega-donor End Citizens United;(7) infanticide propagator Planned Parenthood;(8) the New York Progressive Action Network(9) and Our Revolution(10) which endorse socialist NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, a man who wants racially discriminating taxes(11) (and has since scrubbed that policy from his campaign site); and the Seneca Project(12) which endorses Virginia gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger, who refuses to pull her support from VA attorney general candidate Jay Jones whose 2022 texts reveal his desire for former Speaker of the House Todd Gilbert to be shot multiple times in the head and for Gilbert's children to die in his arms.(13)
But No Kings’ biggest partner is Indivisible, who handles No Kings’ organization and advertising. Indivisible has received millions from billionaire George Soros’s Open Society Foundations, and has received at least $1M in support from Home of the Brave,(14) an organization founded by millionaire George Conway, and hundreds of thousands of dollars from millionaire and Democrat mega donor Dr. Karla Jurvetson.(15) These donations are conveyed as benign ‘social welfare activities.’(16) Democrats like Chuck Schumer,(17) who has been a US senator since 1999 and is reportedly worth over $1.1M,(18) Nancy Pelosi(19) who has been a US representative since 1987 and has taken advantage of insider trading to amass hundreds of millions at the stock market,(20) and millionaire Bernie Sanders,(21) who has been in office since 1990, in addition to all the other well-known Democrats in Congress who proudly march with No Kings.
If No Kings wants to remove royalty, then they should support term limits so career politicians can’t find fortune over decades in office. No Kings should refuse sponsorships and funds from corporations and multi-millionaires if No Kings approves signs reading “Eat the rich” and “Workers over billionaires.” If the protestors want a true democracy, they should know that America has never actually been one; the United States operates as a “limited” democracy, meaning that while the majority have rule, there are strict rules that protect tyranny over the minority. These rules are agreed upon by both the majority and minority and written down as a binding constitution to which all parties swear an oath. In this, a limited democracy is a “constitutional republic.”
Then there’s these No Kings-approved signage: “Super-callous-fragile-racist-sexist-Nazi-POTUS.” “Anne Frank wrote about this in her diary.” “Honk if you hate Nazi pigs.” “Never forget: WWII was a fight against fascism.” and “WWII soldiers and Gen. Patton were Antifa.”
No Kings is equivocating Trump’s Make America Great Again movement to Nazi Germany. Therefor, according to No Kings, every single person who agrees with Trump’s conservative-leaning policies in any way, shape, or form is a Nazi. Finally, if Antifa (I saw many signs like ‘Aunt Tifa says no fascism’ and a veteran holding ‘I am Antifa’) is equivalent to the American soldiers who fought in World War II, then No Kings’ logic is clear:
Conservatives, wealthy non-Democrats, and Trump supporters are fascists.
Nazis are fascists.
WWII soldiers who killed Nazis were anti-fascists.
Anti-fascist killers are Antifa.
Antifa must kill Nazi conservatives, wealthy non-Democrats, and Trump supporters.
Even prominent Democrat Senator Dick Durbin said, “[T]his notion that we're going to characterize MAGA as Nazis… is unacceptable,”(22) as Representative John Fetterman says, “I refuse to [call Republicans Nazis] because that kind of extreme kinds of rhetoric makes it easier for those kinds of extreme kinds of actions — even like what happened to poor Charlie Kirk… I happen to know and love a lot of people that voted for the president and they are not fascist, they are not Nazis, they’re not trying to destroy the Constitution and all those things. They just happen to have different priorities and they love our country in the same ways that Democrats do as well.”(23)
They’re right. No Kings, their sponsors, and their donors are cultivating Democrat versus Republican ideological warfare. Charlie Kirk was assassinated while debating policies and philosophies with college students. This needs to stop before it devolves into civil war.
Americans don’t want to live under a fascist regime or fear knocks at the door. They want their amenities and creature comforts, if not for themselves, then for others. In the October 18th protest in my town, there were signs with which I can actually agree. “Free press, free speech, free assembly.”(24) “Due process is a constitutional right.”(25) “No kings since 1776.” “The power of the people is greater than the people in power.” My favorite, I think, is a sign reading, “When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty.”
Here is where No Kings crumbles under hypocrisy: Where were they during the COVID lockdowns when Americans were threatened with imprisonment for attending religious services or operating their businesses?(26) Where was No Kings when Anthony Fauci decreed the 6-foot distancing (a number he admits has no basis in science)?(27) Where was No Kings when American workers were ordered to take experimental medicine despite objections, which certainly violates civil rights and North Carolina law?(28) Where was No Kings when FEMA participated in political discrimination while rendering aid after Hurricane Helene?(29) Where was No Kings when the same lawmakers(30) and elites(31) who ordered Americans to stay home for the holidays indulged in parties and get-togethers?
No Kings was not there because they are sponsored and funded by the same people who are responsible for youth incapable of handling sudden and ongoing isolation committing suicide(32) and the suffering of educational standards,(33) who hold onto power with a stranglehold as they become decrepit with age, and refuse to applaud for survivors of cancer when the child is highlighted by someone they do not like.(34)
No Kings was not there because they are backed by royalty without the titles but with all the influence.
When Thomas Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence in 1776, he wrote, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, and endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”
America was built on the hard labor, passion, and sacrifice of immigrants from all over the globe. The American Dream is dying from overtaxation and overregulation hobbling entrepreneurial success while crony capitalism — not pure capitalism — props up monopolies. The thing is, America is the result of a mass of cultures and religions agreeing to abide by a single set of rules based on the timeless truths of thou shalt not steal, commit adultery, murder, bear false witness, or covet what is not yours.(35)
I used to think that part of the equation to unify America was for Republicans and Democrats to at least find common ground on the issues. I’m growing increasingly concerned that common ground cannot be found when the ideology is “If you’re against me, you are the greatest evil in the history of the world and must die.” When death is the foundation of the conversation, what can you build?
It’s time to build authentic and positive relationships with our neighbors. It’s less effective for the death cult ideology to convince a person that someone is a Nazi when the response is, “I’ve known their character and seen their fruits, they’d never act like that.” This culture of trust fosters a community that cultivates safety, belonging, and liberty. As the community upholds these values, the town will grow to reflect these values.
Just as when a stone skips across the water and leaves an obvious ripple effect, the influence of neighbors who trust each other will imprint its weight upon America. Neighbors will know what is factual truth and reject the lies that seek to destroy families, fortunes, and lives. Neighbors will restore our sovereign rights, our liberty, and our safety under the Constitution. Neighbors will make America a nation we can be proud to pass onto our children, grandchildren, and every generation onward.
1. Jennifer Amyx, “October 18th No Kings Day of Peaceful Action in Wake Forest,” Wake Forest Gazette, 16 Oct 2025, https://wakeforestgazette.com/october-18th-no-kings-day-of-peaceful-action-in-wake-forest/
2. No Kings, Partners, https://www.nokings.org/partners
3. Josh Christenson, Emily Crane, “Dem fundraiser ActBlue facing possible terror-financing investigation amid fraud probe,” 12 Mar 2025, https://nypost.com/2025/03/12/us-news/dem-fundraiser-actblue-facing-possible-terror-financing-investigation-amid-fraud-probe/
4. ACLU, OpenSecrets, https://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/american-civil-liberties-union/summary?id=D000031473
5. American Humanist Assn, OpenSecrets, https://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/american-humanist-assn/summary?id=D000068534
6. Carolina for All, Facebook, 14 Oct 2025, https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1066296552277597&set=a.428658082708117
7. End Citizens United, OpenSecrets, https://www.opensecrets.org/political-action-committees-pacs/end-citizens-united/C00573261/pac-to-pac/2024
8. Annual Report 2023-2024, “A Force for Hope,” Planned Parenthood, https://www.plannedparenthood.org/uploads/filer_public/ec/6d/ec6da0d6-98e5-4278-8d11-99a5cba8e615/2024-ppfa-annualreport-c3-digital.pdf
9. New York Progressive Action Network, Facebook, 16 Oct 2025, https://www.facebook.com/NYPANetwork/posts/pfbid0bCUJbngXMSdanLAuxej1qPih7UHiwSWKEc1Y5D557ziEAinE19sVKaSbJwqbBfMYl
10. Our Revolution, Progressive Champions, https://ourrevolution.com/progressive-champions/
11. Jeff Charles, “New York City Mayoral Candidate Wants to Raise Taxes – On White People,” Townhall, 27 June 2025, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/jeff-charles/2025/06/27/mamdani-wants-to-raise-taxes-on-white-folks-n2659555
12. The Seneca Project, Facebook, 17 Sept 2025, https://www.facebook.com/SenecaProjectUS/posts/pfbid0ReZMtKwpLgAW4Axx5dXBDwz2x9vQBvQSCJjyMwV2jGWSAURMEpTjwihgnvcNStrSl
13. Audrey Fahlburg, “Dem AG Nominee Jay Jones Fantasized About Shooting Former Virginia GOP Speaker: ‘He Receives Both Bullets’,” National Review, 3 October 2025, https://www.nationalreview.com/news/dem-ag-nominee-jay-jones-fantasized-about-shooting-former-virginia-gop-speaker-he-receives-both-bullets/
14. Home of the Brave, 13 Oct 2025, https://ofthebrave.org/no-kings/
15. OpenSecrets, Indivisible donors, https://www.opensecrets.org/political-action-committees-pacs/indivisible-action/C00678839/donors/2024
16. Open Society Foundations, Grants, https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/grants/past?filter_keyword=indivisible
17. Chuck Schumer, 18 Oct 2025, X, https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G3kWcybWcAAjx25?format=jpg&name=900x900
18. OpenSecrets, Chuck Schumer, https://www.opensecrets.org/personal-finances/charles-schumer/net-worth?cid=N00001093
19. Nancy Pelosi, 18 Oct 2025, Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1373608057461394&set=a.409343287221214
20. Quiver TradeTracker, 12 Oct 2025, https://www.quiverquant.com/news/Net+Worth+Update%3A+Representative+Nancy+Pelosi+Made+an+Estimated+%246.3M+in+the+Stock+Market+Last+Month
21. Bernie Sanders, 19 Oct 2025, https://www.facebook.com/reel/1727067367967947/
22. CNN News Central, “Hollywood Icon Robert Redford Dead at 89; Patel to Testify Amid Questions Over FBI Leadership, Kirk Probe; Manhunt Underway in New York State for Suspected Killer; Trump Repeatedly Blames the Left for Rising Political Violence,” 16 September 2025, https://transcripts.cnn.com/show/cnc/date/2025-09-16/segment/04
23. Emily Crane, “John Fetterman pinpoints moment Democrats lost ‘the plot’ — and Kamala Harris lost herself the election,” New York Post, 23 Oct 2025, https://nypost.com/2025/10/23/us-news/john-fetterman-pinpoints-moment-democrats-lost-the-election-to-trump/
24. Bill of Rights, First Amendment
25. Bill of Rights, Fifth Amendment
26. Lea Hunter, Betsy Pearl, Kenny Lo, “Tracking Enforcement Measures for Violation of Stay-at-Home Orders,” American Progress, 2 Apr 2020, https://www.americanprogress.org/article/tracking-enforcement-measures-violation-stay-home-orders/
27. Committee on Oversight, “Wenstrup Releases Statement Following Dr. Fauci’s Two-Day Testimony,” US House of Representatives, 10 Jan 2024, https://oversight.house.gov/release/wenstrup-releases-statement-following-dr-faucis-two-day-testimony/
28. NC General Statute § 130A-157. Religious exemption
29. Department of Homeland Security, “DHS Exposes how FEMA Officials Under the Biden Administration Systematically Refused Aid to Disaster Survivors on Purely Political Discrimination, Refers Case to the Department of Justice,” 21 Oct 2025, https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/10/21/dhs-exposes-how-fema-officials-under-biden-administration-systematically-refused
30. Jeremy B White, “Newsom faces backlash after attending French Laundry dinner party,” Politico, 13 Nov 2020, https://www.politico.com/states/california/story/2020/11/13/newsom-faces-backlash-after-attending-french-laundry-dinner-party-1336419
31. Stephen Collinson, “When elites break lockdown rules,” CNN, 8 Apr 2021, https://www.cnn.com/2021/04/08/world/meanwhile-in-america-april-7-intl
32. Jeffrey A Bridge, et al, “Youth Suicide During the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic,” PubMed Central, 30 May 2023, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10227859/
33. Daniel C Dewey, et al, “Pivoting from Pandemic Recovery to Long-term Reform: A District-Level Analysis,” Education Recovery Scorecard, Feb 2025, https://educationrecoveryscorecard.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Pivoting-from-Pandemic-Recovery-to-Long-Term-Reform-A-District-Level-Analysis.pdf
34. Ingrid Jacques, "Trump is winning over America while Democrats won't even stand for cancer survivor | Opinion,” USA Today, 6 Mar 2025, https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/columnist/2025/03/06/trump-speech-dj-daniel-cancer-survivor-democrats/81592455007/
35. Ten Commandments, Holy Bible