Imagine a wave of dissent so powerful it's reshaping the very fabric of American politics—millions of voices rising in unison against what they see as unchecked power. That's the electrifying reality unfolding this weekend with the 'No Kings' protests, and it's sparking debates that could redefine how we view democracy itself.
Picture this: Cyndi Greening, a retired college professor from the heart of Wisconsin's Chippewa Falls, vividly recalls the gut-wrenching moment Donald Trump clinched the presidency last November. She was curled up on her living room floor, tears flowing for days, until her 37-year-old son snapped her out of it with a simple, forceful command: 'Get up and do something. What's wrong with you?'
That jolt ignited the formation of the Chippewa Valley Indivisible chapter. Their inaugural gathering in January attracted just 28 eager participants. By the next meetup, the number had more than doubled to 68, and it surged further to 124 shortly after. Fast-forward to today, and membership has ballooned to nearly 1,900. And this Saturday? They'll join a colossal nationwide movement of 'No Kings' demonstrations, which organizers anticipate will dwarf the impressive 5 million who participated in June's edition.
'It just exploded,' Greening recounted, her voice filled with a mix of shock and empowerment. 'I was floored by how rapidly things were unfolding.' Her group reaches into areas like Eau Claire and more rural, conservative-leaning spots such as Chippewa Falls, Elk Mound, Cleghorn, and Jim Falls, proving that grassroots activism can thrive even in 'red' territories.
This local surge mirrors the broader, explosive expansion of Indivisible since the 2016 election. Founded in 2017 in the wake of Trump's initial victory, the organization has proved its resilience. But the post-November acceleration has been nothing short of meteoric, as co-founder and co-Executive Director Ezra Levin explains.
Daily, between five and eight fresh Indivisible groups emerge, sprouting in districts that are red, blue, or a mix of both. Every congressional district now boasts multiple chapters, and the movement has even crossed borders, with groups popping up in 27 countries—including a recent one in Milan, Italy. To put this in perspective, Indivisible isn't just a fleeting response; it's a structured network of activists dedicated to mobilizing against policies they oppose, often through training and coordinated actions that empower everyday people to influence politics.
Their track record speaks volumes: An April 'Hands Off' march mobilized 3 million participants across 750 events nationwide. June's first 'No Kings' day rallied around 5 million at 2,200 gatherings. Levin confidently predicts Saturday's turnout will shatter those records, with over 2,000 planned rallies.
'We're on the cusp of the biggest protest in modern American history on October 18,' Levin proclaimed, his words echoing the urgency of the moment.
Expect massive crowds at key locations like Washington, D.C.'s Capitol grounds, New York City, Chicago, and Portland, Oregon. While exact numbers are hard to pin down—crowd estimation often relies on aerial photos, witness accounts, and event organizer reports—recent history offers context. For instance, the post-George Floyd Black Lives Matter demonstrations stand out as some of the largest national movements, though spread over multiple days, showcasing how sustained outrage can amplify voices.
But here's where it gets controversial: These protests are erupting amid a deeply divided nation. Congress remains paralyzed by a government shutdown. Trump has deployed National Guard troops to states like California, Illinois, Oregon, and even D.C., overriding local leaders' objections. Immigration enforcement is ramping up aggressively, with arrests sparking clashes—sometimes turning heated or violent—between agents and residents or protesters, as captured in videos from places like Broadview, Illinois, near Chicago.
Leading up to Saturday's events, Republicans have ramped up rhetoric portraying the marches as havens for dangerous left-wing hate groups. Meanwhile, within the Democratic Party, frustration with leadership is palpable. Take Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's decision in spring to back a funding bill despite opposition; Indivisible swiftly convened an emergency summit of its groups, and a whopping 92% demanded his resignation. Levin criticized the party's initial responses as mere 'performative' gestures. Now, however, the group fully endorses the Democrats' firmer stance, urging Republicans to reverse healthcare cuts before approving any funding bill.
'They're finally standing their ground, and our role is to support them wholeheartedly,' Levin stated. 'There are moments for internal debates and strategic refinements, but once the party unites against this administration, backing them is non-negotiable.'
He added a pointed message to Democratic leaders: 'The reinforcements arrive on October 18—you'll either be celebrated or face calls for new faces.'
Levin argues that recent threats to free speech, such as Trump's announcements of probes into liberal groups, only fuel the resolve to demonstrate fearlessness in the face of what he calls 'a regime stifling our First Amendment rights to protest.' Yet, the rallies also serve as a stern reminder to Democrats: 'You've rediscovered your backbone—keep it straight, or we'll seek out those who will.'
And this is the part most people miss: Republicans, led by House Speaker Mike Johnson, are accusing Democrats of dragging out the shutdown to cater to the protest crowds. In a Fox News appearance, Johnson labeled Saturday's marchers as the 'pro-Hamas wing' and 'antifa people,' while GOP leaders have branded the events 'hate America' gatherings. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent echoed this on CNBC, claiming the rallies mean 'No Kings, no paychecks—no government funding or salaries.' Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy drew parallels to antifa and suggested participants might be compensated.
Democrats like Senator Chris Murphy, D-Conn., fired back, calling the Republican attacks 'astounding' and an assault on free expression. 'We should spotlight their smears against the 'No Kings' protests more,' Murphy told NBC News. 'The real counterpunch is massive attendance on the 18th. Overflowing crowds will prove their intimidation tactics are failing, showing that peaceful rallies aren't tied to violence.'
As we stand on the brink of what could be history's largest single-day protest, it's clear these events aren't just about numbers—they're a litmus test for democracy's pulse. But what if some critics are right that these marches are fueled by ulterior motives, like paid agitators or hidden agendas? Or perhaps they're a genuine outcry against perceived authoritarianism? Do you think these protests will unite or further divide the nation? Will they pressure leaders to change course, or fade into political noise? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you see this as a vital stand for accountability, or something more divisive? Let's discuss!
Natasha Korecki
Natasha Korecki is a senior national political reporter for NBC News.
Julie Tsirkin
and
Daisy Conant
contributed.
