On October 18, 2025, tens of thousands of people across the United States—including plenty from Connecticut—showed up for the “No Kings” protests. Organizers said President Trump’s approach felt a bit too much like monarchy, and that’s what they wanted to push back on.
These rallies, put together by a progressive group called No Kings, marked the second wave of major demonstrations this year. People came out for all sorts of political and social reasons.
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This post digs into what happened nationally and right here in Connecticut. There’s a lot to unpack about how folks participated and what they hoped to accomplish.
A Nationwide Call for Democratic Values
The October protests followed a huge turnout in June, when organizers claimed about five million people joined in. This time, they counted over 2,600 events in nearly every state.
Demonstrators spoke out against immigration detentions, education funding cuts, slashed environmental protections, and federal meddling in Democrat-led states. In Washington, D.C., crowds filled Pennsylvania Avenue with bright yellow displays and signs shouting, “No Kings, No Tyrants.”
Connecticut’s Voice in the Movement
Connecticut cities and towns—Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, and Norwalk—saw residents gather in public spaces to stand with the national cause. In Stamford, community leaders brought in speakers from immigrant advocacy groups.
Over in Waterbury, people made oversized banners about democracy and civil liberties. From Danbury to Meriden, you could feel the sense of unity, even in smaller towns that sometimes get overlooked in these conversations.
Prominent Voices and Notable Themes
One of the standout moments happened in Washington, where Senator Bernie Sanders addressed the crowd. He called out tech billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos for raking in more wealth during Trump’s presidency.
On the West Coast, immigration advocacy took the spotlight. Maria Floriano described migration as an act of bravery, and her words resonated with many.
These themes echoed across the country, including here in Connecticut, where immigrant communities brought their own stories to the table.
Mixed Political Responses in the State
Some Republican leaders, like House Speaker Mike Johnson, brushed off the events as “hate America rallies.” Connecticut’s GOP leader Vincent Candelora took a different tack.
He disagreed with the movement’s goals, but he still defended protesters’ right to gather and speak out. That’s classic Connecticut—civic engagement stays strong, even when people don’t see eye to eye.
A Peaceful but Powerful Display
Even with National Guards mobilized in Virginia and Texas, the October protests stayed peaceful. No major arrests happened.
Creative touches popped up everywhere—people in inflatable costumes, spontaneous singing and dancing. These moments kept energy up and drew in folks who might not have planned to join.
Why Connecticut Protesters Joined
In Hartford and New Haven, people gave lots of reasons for showing up:
- Defending democracy – Many worried about a slide toward authoritarianism.
- Standing against immigration detentions – Residents wanted to support detained families.
- Protecting education funding – Teachers and parents stressed the need for strong public schools.
- Preserving environmental safeguards – Environmentalists spoke out against losing protections.
- Supporting state autonomy – Folks pushed back on federal overreach into local policies.
Looking Ahead
The “No Kings” movement says it’ll keep reminding Americans about the country’s roots—opposing monarchy, defending democracy. Organizers expect more action as the 2026 elections get closer, so Connecticut may see more rallies and forums soon.
Local Impact in the Constitution State
In places like Bridgeport and Stamford, people gathered in busy city streets. Quieter towns such as Meriden and Norwich saw their own versions of protest, too.
The demonstrations got folks talking about government power and what civic activism really means. A lot of people said it wasn’t about picking sides—it was about standing up for the rights and duties we all share in a democracy.
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Here is the source article for this story: 3 takeaways from the second No Kings day of nationwide protests
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