Large protests occurred across all 50 U.S. states against President Donald Trump's policies. People expressed concerns about his immigration stance and attacks on institutions. Organizers claimed that about seven million participated in these "No Kings" rallies.
Key Facts
Protests happened in all 50 U.S. states, including both large cities and smaller communities.
Organizers reported approximately seven million protestors attended nationwide.
Key issues raised included calls to abolish the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency and criticism of Trump's approach to media and immigration.
Demonstrations featured colorful signs and chants about protecting democracy.
In Los Angeles, a giant balloon depicted President Trump in a diaper.
New York saw over 100,000 participants at a major protest; Washington, DC, had between 8,000 and 10,000 people.
President Trump reacted by sharing AI-generated videos on his social media.
Senator Bernie Sanders spoke against the concentration of power in Trump's administration.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) tried to deport Roman Surovtsev, an immigrant who has lived in the U.S. since he was a child. ICE attempted to send him to Ukraine, a country that does not recognize him as a citizen. Surovtsev's wife has hired lawyers to help fight the detention and deportation.
Key Facts
Roman Surovtsev came to the U.S. from the former Soviet Union as a refugee at age four.
His green card was revoked after he pled guilty to carjacking and burglary in California.
ICE attempted to deport him to Ukraine and Russia, but neither country recognizes him as a citizen.
Surovtsev regularly checked in with ICE, leading to his detention in August.
ICE aims to meet a one-million-person annual deportation target.
His case is being heard in court, with his lawyers arguing that his re-detention is unconstitutional.
Ukraine does not possess documentation to prove Surovtsev's citizenship.
His lawyers assert there is little chance of deportation in the near future due to documentation issues.
President Donald Trump commuted the prison sentence of George Santos, a former New York representative convicted of various financial crimes. Santos expressed gratitude after his early release, having served less than three months of his sentence. Trump's decision has sparked discussions on the use of presidential pardons and commutations.
Key Facts
George Santos was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for wire fraud, identity theft, and other financial crimes.
Santos was expelled from the House of Representatives in December 2023.
President Trump commuted Santos' sentence, allowing for his early release.
A commutation shortens a person's sentence but does not erase their conviction.
Santos began serving his sentence in July 2025 at a federal prison in New Jersey.
Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene supported Santos' release.
Santos praised President Trump for giving him a "second chance."
People across the U.S. held "No Kings" protests against President Trump's policies, accusing him of acting more like a king than an elected official. The protests addressed various issues, including immigration and federal actions in states led by Democrats, and took place in many cities nationwide.
Key Facts
The "No Kings" protests were organized as a response to policies associated with President Trump's administration.
These protests took place in cities throughout the United States.
Organizers claimed that about 2,600 events were planned across almost every state.
The protests included messages about democracy and constitutional rights.
Specific issues protested included immigration detentions and federal intervention in some states.
Large gatherings were observed in places like Washington, D.C., and San Francisco.
Senator Bernie Sanders spoke at one event, criticizing the influence of tech billionaires.
House Speaker Mike Johnson called the protests anti-American.
President Donald Trump's support among men is steadily decreasing according to recent polls. Economic dissatisfaction appears to be a main reason, as many male voters express concerns over the rising cost of living and the economy's state.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval among male voters has dropped from 45% in August to 42% in October.
In 2024, 55% of male voters supported Trump, an increase from 2020.
Among young men aged 18-44, Trump's support rose from 45% in 2020 to 53% in 2024.
Support among Black men increased from 12% in 2020 to 25% in 2024, and among Hispanic men from 38% to 48%.
Inflation in August rose to 2.9%, the highest since January.
The unemployment rate reached 4.3%, the highest level in four years.
U.S. government is shut down due to a funding deadlock, impacting the economy.
Economic growth could decrease by 0.1 to 0.2 percentage points each week the shutdown continues.
54% of men disapprove of Trump's handling of the government shutdown.
The Department of Defense (DOD) is delaying cleanup efforts for PFAS chemical contamination at over 100 U.S. military bases. These chemicals, often found in firefighting foam used in military drills, pose health risks to nearby communities. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is involved in addressing these issues and has labeled certain PFAS chemicals as hazardous substances.
Key Facts
PFAS chemicals are present in firefighting foam used at military bases.
PFAS chemicals are linked to health issues like cancer, thyroid disease, and asthma.
Over 700 U.S. military bases may have PFAS-contaminated water.
The DOD planned to finish cleanup efforts by October 2025 but has delayed at 140 installations.
The EPA, under the Biden administration, has classified two PFAS chemicals as hazardous.
CERCLA is a law that helps manage the cleanup of hazardous substances.
President Trump's administration has kept the hazardous designation for certain PFAS chemicals.
99% of preliminary investigations at military bases for PFAS have been completed.
President Donald Trump shared videos on social media where he appears as a king, in response to the large "No Kings" protests against him. The protests, involving thousands of people, took place nationwide and opposed his policies.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump posted videos on Truth Social showing himself as a king.
One video shows him putting on a crown; another shows him flying a plane labeled "King Trump."
The videos were posted in response to the "No Kings" protests.
The protests involved hundreds of thousands of people across the U.S.
The protests were against several of President Trump's policies.
The news about the protests and Trump's response is still developing.
A body of a missing 15-year-old girl, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, was found in the trunk of pop star D4vd's Tesla. The discovery is being investigated by the police, but many details, including the cause of death, remain unknown. The singer, David Anthony Burke, is cooperating with authorities but has not commented publicly on the case.
Key Facts
Celeste Rivas Hernandez, the 15-year-old girl, was found dead in the front trunk of singer D4vd's Tesla in Hollywood.
D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, is a pop star known for his music career launched through social media.
The girl's body was "severely decomposed," and the cause of death is still undetermined; investigations could take months.
Police have not named any suspects or persons of interest in the case.
D4vd has not made a public statement about the incident but is reportedly cooperating with the investigation.
Rivas Hernandez had been missing from her Lake Elsinore home since April 2024 and had run away multiple times before.
Her family had filed missing-persons reports on multiple occasions before her body was discovered.
Thousands of people in cities across the United States protested against President Donald Trump's policies. The protests, organized by the No Kings coalition, involved around 300 groups. Trump supporters claimed that the protesters were linked to a far-left movement.
Key Facts
Protests took place in major U.S. cities like New York, Washington DC, Chicago, and Miami.
The protest was against the policies of President Donald Trump.
The No Kings coalition, which organized the protests, consists of about 300 groups.
These protests gained attention after similar events on Trump's birthday.
Trump allies accused protesters of being connected to Antifa, a far-left group.
The protests were sometimes called "the hate America rally" by Trump's supporters.
Actor John Cusack criticized President Donald Trump during a protest in Chicago. The protest was part of a series of rallies against immigration enforcement actions by the federal government. Cusack's comments have spread widely through social media.
Key Facts
John Cusack spoke at Chicago's "No Kings" protest against President Trump's immigration policies.
The protest was one of over 2,600 demonstrations in the U.S. and other countries.
Cusack condemned the deployment of ICE and Border Patrol agents to Chicago.
The demonstrations were organized to oppose perceived authoritarian actions.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker also spoke at the protest, emphasizing resistance to tyranny.
The protests happened during a federal government shutdown.
Organizers emphasized using nonviolent methods and safety training.
Chicago has been a focal point in debates over immigration enforcement tactics.
Graham Platner, a candidate for the U.S. Senate from Maine, is dealing with backlash due to resurfaced controversial comments he made on Reddit in 2013. These past posts have caused his campaign manager to resign and complicate his campaign efforts despite his initial strong support, including an endorsement from Bernie Sanders.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is running for a U.S. Senate seat in Maine with backing from Bernie Sanders.
Past controversial Reddit posts from Platner have been uncovered, leading to public criticism.
The posts included comments on racial stereotypes and sensitive topics related to political violence.
Platner's comments were made in 2013, primarily about race and personal responsibility.
Genevieve McDonald, Platner’s political director, resigned due to the nature of these comments.
Maine Governor Janet Mills has announced her bid for the same Senate seat, presenting direct competition.
Platner has responded to the controversy, stating his past comments do not reflect his current views.
Subramanyam "Subu" Vedam, a U.S. man wrongfully imprisoned for over 40 years for a murder he did not commit, faces deportation to India. Recently exonerated, Mr. Vedam is now detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which plans to deport him based on an old order related to his past convictions.
Key Facts
Subramanyam "Subu" Vedam was in prison for 43 years for a murder he didn't commit.
New evidence led to his exoneration earlier this month.
After his release, ICE detained him, aiming to deport him to India.
Mr. Vedam was born in India but moved to the U.S. when he was a baby.
An old deportation order from 1988 still exists due to his past convictions.
His murder conviction was overturned, but his drug conviction remains.
ICE is following a legal order to keep him in custody until deportation.
Mr. Vedam's family is working to change his immigration status and prevent deportation.
Nationwide "No Kings" protests were held across the U.S. and Europe against President Donald Trump, where political leaders and mayors voiced their concerns. The demonstrations, involving hundreds of thousands of participants, coincided with actions by Trump to deploy National Guard troops in various U.S. cities. The protests drew attention from numerous political figures who spoke about defending democracy and resisting authoritarianism.
Key Facts
The "No Kings" protests took place in every U.S. state and also in Europe.
Political leaders, including mayors and governors, spoke at the events, expressing opposition to President Trump's policies.
The protest was a response to several recent actions by President Trump, including deploying National Guard troops.
This was the third mass protest during Trump’s second term as president.
A similar event in June marked Trump's 79th birthday and involved 1,800 protests in the U.S.
Courts determined Trump can federalize the National Guard but may face limitations on deployment.
The protests drew hundreds of thousands of people to the streets.
Large protests took place across the United States on Saturday as people rallied against President Trump and his administration. The events, called "No Kings" protests, happened in all 50 states and some cities overseas. The protests are a response to the ongoing government shutdown and military actions against Democratic-led cities.
Key Facts
Protests called "No Kings" were held in all 50 U.S. states and some international cities.
More than 2,700 events were planned with participation from groups like the American Civil Liberties Union and MoveOn.
These protests took place as the government shutdown entered its third week.
President Trump's military actions against cities led by Democrats are a key issue for protesters.
Republican lawmakers criticized the protests, calling them "a hate America rally."
Harvard Kennedy School reported that protests in 2025 are wider spread than in Trump's previous term.
Protesters rallied in major cities like New York, Boston, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.
Millions were expected to join the protests nationally.
On Saturday, millions of people across the United States participated in protests against President Trump's policies. Organizers claim this event was larger than a similar protest held in June, which also saw over 5 million participants. Robert Weissman from Public Citizen discussed the protests' impact.
Key Facts
Millions of people protested against President Trump's administration across the U.S.
The protests were part of a coordinated effort to show public disagreement with current government policies.
A previous similar protest in June had involved over 5 million participants.
Organizers believe the turnout for this event was even higher than in June.
Robert Weissman, co-president of Public Citizen, provided insights about the protests.
Public Citizen is a consumer advocacy group involved in organizing and analyzing these events.
On October 18, 2025, people across the United States participated in "No Kings" rallies. These rallies were organized to protest against President Trump's leadership.
Key Facts
The rallies were called "No Kings."
They took place on October 18, 2025.
The events happened in multiple cities across the U.S.
People participated to show their disagreement with President Trump's leadership.
The rallies were coordinated, meaning they were planned and happened at the same time.
Thousands of people gathered in cities across the United States and internationally for "No Kings" protests against President Donald Trump's policies. The protests coincide with a government shutdown, and organizers planned more than 2,600 events. Participants voiced concerns about Trump's approach to governance, with some seeing it as a move towards authoritarianism.
Key Facts
The "No Kings" protests targeted President Trump's policies on immigration, education, and security.
Over 2,600 events were organized across the United States, with participation in other countries like the UK and Spain.
The protests occurred amid a government shutdown affecting federal programs and services.
Demonstrators expressed fears that Trump's actions resemble authoritarian governance.
Key figures, such as Senators Chuck Schumer and Bernie Sanders, participated in the protests.
The American Civil Liberties Union trained thousands as marshals for the events.
Republican leaders criticized the protesters and linked them to extreme political ideologies.
President Trump stated that he is not a king in response to the protests' theme.
People across the United States took part in "No Kings" protests against the policies of President Donald Trump's administration. The protests happened in various locations, from large cities to small towns, and were photographed by NPR station photographers. The demonstrations aimed to highlight concerns over civil liberties and involved activities like marching and holding banners.
Key Facts
The "No Kings" protests happened nationwide on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
The protests were a response to the policies of President Donald Trump's administration.
Demonstrations took place in diverse locations, including urban and rural areas.
Photographers from NPR stations documented these protests widely.
Events included activities like chanting, holding banners, and even impromptu dance parties.
Protestors argued for civil liberties, stating it was not a partisan issue but one of right versus wrong.
In some places, protests moved locations to avoid conflicts with other events, like a Hispanic festival in Macon, GA.
A campaign called "New Illinois" aims to create a new state from parts of Illinois. The group wants more representation for rural areas, which feel neglected due to Chicago's political dominance. The campaign insists this is a legal process, not secession.
Key Facts
"New Illinois" is a campaign to form a new state from parts of Illinois.
The campaign is supported by people in rural areas who feel ignored by the state's government centered in Chicago.
The group is led by G.H. Merritt and is not attempting secession but a constitutional process.
Democrats currently dominate Illinois politics, holding many statewide offices.
The campaign highlights a cultural and economic split between urban and rural areas in the state.
Organizers cite the U.S. Constitution's Article IV, Section 3, which outlines creating new states.
They liken their efforts to West Virginia's separation from Virginia during the Civil War.
The campaign argues this move will restore local control and accountability.
Vermont state Senator Samuel Douglass, a Republican, has resigned after being linked to a group chat with racist and antisemitic content. The chat included members of a Young Republican group from various states, and the incident led to public backlash and personal threats to Douglass and his family. His resignation takes effect on Monday at noon.
Key Facts
Samuel Douglass is a Vermont state Senator who resigned following reports of a racist group chat.
The group chat contained racist and antisemitic remarks, including praise for Adolf Hitler.
Douglass was the only elected official involved in the group chat.
His resignation is due to the backlash and threats he and his family received after the chat was exposed.
The group chat, used by Young Republicans from multiple states, was first reported by Politico.
Some participants in the chat have already lost their jobs following the revelations.
Douglass expressed gratitude for the support he received from constituents and pledged to reach out to those hurt by the messages.
He was elected in 2024 and had introduced a significant agriculture bill in his first year.
