Nashville, October 22, 2025
News Summary
On October 18, thousands of protesters gathered at the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville for the second No Kings Day demonstration. The event, organized by Indivisible Tennessee, attracted approximately 10,000 attendees, reflecting a national movement that engaged nearly 7 million people across the country. Protesters expressed their discontent with the Trump administration’s policies, advocating for a nonviolent stand against perceived authoritarianism. The demonstration featured speeches from local leaders, colorful signs, and a celebratory march, highlighting the growing resistance to policies viewed as detrimental to democracy.
Nashville
Thousands gathered in Nashville on Saturday, October 18, 2025, for the second No Kings Day demonstration, aiming to express discontent with the Trump administration’s policies and what they perceive as escalating authoritarianism. Local organizers, Indivisible Tennessee, estimated that approximately 10,000 people attended the event at the Tennessee State Capitol, with the turnout reflecting a national movement garnering participation from nearly 7 million people across over 2,700 cities and towns in all 50 states.
The protest, which began at 10 a.m., was marked by a variety of speeches from local faith leaders, including Vanderbilt University professor Lynne Berry and Nashville activist Odessa Kelly. The event’s stated aim was a “nonviolent defiance of authoritarianism,” as outlined on the No Kings national website. Demonstrators showcased their messages with colorful signs, such as “no thrones, no crowns, no kings” and “reject fascism,” while many attendees sported inflatable costumes shaped like dinosaurs and unicorns, frog hats, and outfits representing Lady Liberty.
The protest included a performance of the song “Tennessee Rise” and culminated in a march through Bicentennial Mall, where protesters lined Jefferson Street from Rosa L. Parks Blvd. to Rep. John Lewis Way N., waving American flags and chanting “U-S-A” as cars passing by honked in support.
Participation figures highlighted significant growth from the previous protest in June, which had seen an increase of 2 million participants. Indivisible Co-Founders Ezra Levin and Leah Greenberg remarked that the overwhelming attendance underscored the resistance movement’s vitality. Additional protests were reported in more than 33 towns and cities across Tennessee, with notable turnouts in Chattanooga and Memphis, where approximately 3,000 and 7,000 people participated respectively.
Many attendees voiced their concerns regarding the Trump administration’s immigration policies, economic uncertainties, and the rise of what they see as fascism. Some protestors expressed personal connections to historical struggles against tyranny, while others highlighted their worries about the future of education for their children and grandchildren. However, the event was not without controversy, as critics including House Speaker Mike Johnson labeled the demonstration a “Hate America Rally,” accusing attendees of being Marxist and Pro-Hamas supporters.
During the event, there was one arrest made: a 71-year-old woman was charged with obstructing a highway and failure to obey a law enforcement officer in East Tennessee.
Background of the No Kings Day Movement
The No Kings Day movement began as a national response to perceived authoritarianism under the Trump administration. The initial protest saw participation from millions nationwide, demonstrating a growing response to policies and actions viewed as detrimental to democracy. Participants represent a wide blend of concerns and frustrations, uniting under the common theme of advocating for democratic values and civil rights.
Key Takeaways
- Protest Date: October 18, 2025
- Location: Tennessee State Capitol, Nashville
- Estimated Attendance: 10,000 people
- National Participation: Nearly 7 million across 2,700 cities
- Significant State Protests: Chattanooga (3,000); Memphis (7,000)
- One Arrest: 71-year-old woman charged in East Tennessee
FAQ
What is No Kings Day?
No Kings Day is a national protest against what participants perceive as authoritarianism in government, particularly under the Trump administration.
When was the second No Kings Day demonstration held?
The second No Kings Day demonstration occurred on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville.
How many people attended the protest in Nashville?
Local organizers, Indivisible Tennessee, estimated attendance at about 10,000 people for the Nashville protest.
What were the main concerns of the protesters?
Many attendees expressed concerns about the Trump administration’s immigration policies, economic uncertainties, and fears of fascism.
Was there any controversy regarding the protest?
Critics, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, labeled the demonstration a “Hate America Rally,” calling attendees Marxists and Pro-Hamas supporters.
| Event | Date | Location | Estimated Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Kings Day Demonstration | October 18, 2025 | Nashville, Tennessee State Capitol | 10,000 |
| National Participation | October 18, 2025 | Across the U.S. | 7 million |
| Chattanooga Protest | October 18, 2025 | Chattanooga, Tennessee | 3,000 |
| Memphis Protest | October 18, 2025 | Memphis, Tennessee | 7,000 |
