News Summary
Phoenix became the focal point of national protests as thousands gathered for the ‘No Kings Day’ rallies against President Trump’s policies. Protesters expressed their opposition to perceived authoritarianism and the prioritization of billionaire agendas. The event, characterized by a celebratory atmosphere, emphasized community engagement and democratic freedoms. Participants in Phoenix were joined by similar rallies across the country, as demonstrators rallied for the restoration of constitutional rights amidst a backdrop of political unrest.
Phoenix was the epicenter of nationwide protests on Saturday, October 18, 2025, as thousands gathered for the “No Kings Day” rallies opposing President Trump’s policies. The Arizona Department of Public Safety estimated that between 14,000 to 15,000 protesters convened at the state capitol in Phoenix, part of a larger movement with over 2,600 rallies expected across the country.
Participants expressed their dissent against what they view as growing authoritarianism in the government, a preference for “billionaire-first” agendas, and the militarization of democratic processes under the Trump administration. The atmosphere of the rally was characterized more by celebration than confrontation, with many attendees creatively expressing their support through costumes and signs showcasing their views against the administration and its immigration policies.
The “No Kings” protests aimed to underscore the importance of restoring constitutional rights and democratic freedoms, with demonstrators signaling a united front against actions they consider illegal and totalitarian. As the rally unfolded, it became clear that community engagement was a key theme, with numerous first-time participants joining the event. The rally commenced at 11 a.m., filled with honks, cheers, and supportive speeches echoing the voices of those championing the cause.
In addition to Phoenix, protests took place in cities such as Goodyear and Scottsdale, maintaining strong turnout throughout the day. Key motivations for joining the protests included a commitment to protecting democracy and upholding the law. The movement also resonated internationally, with rallies against similar issues reported in parts of Europe.
In response to the protests, President Trump declared that he is not a king, countering the narrative that has gathered traction among demonstrators. The day held further significance, as unrelated incidents were reported in Phoenix, including injuries to two police officers from a separate rollover car crash and a two-car collision on U.S. 60 that resulted in four fatalities late Friday night.
In a community highlight, a local mother and son were recognized for providing lifesaving CPR to a 17-year-old shooting victim earlier in the week. Meanwhile, the family of Jermaine Johnson continues to seek information regarding his cold case, which remains unresolved nearly two decades after his murder.
The “No Kings Day” protests encapsulated a critical response to current political dynamics, engaging thousands in Phoenix and beyond, while advocating for the restoration of democratic values and civil liberties.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Halloween Fun and Cultural Festivals in the Valley
Nationwide Protests Mobilize Thousands Against Trump Policies
Massive Protests Erupt in Phoenix Amid No Kings Movement
Protests in Phoenix Demand Change Against Authoritarianism
Massive ‘No Kings’ Rally Unites Arizona Against Trump’s Policies
Phoenix Shines as Top Golf Destination in New Rankings
Local Golfer Patience Rhodes Leads ASU Women’s Team at Stanford Intercollegiate
Sacramento Kings’ Domantas Sabonis Diagnosed with Injury
Significant Injuries Impact NFL Week 7 Matchups
Arizona State Women’s Golf Team Shines on Day 1 of Stanford Intercollegiate
Additional Resources
- Fox 10 Phoenix
- 12 News
- KTAR News
- AZCentral
- Phoenix New Times
- Wikipedia: Protests in the United States
- Google Search: No Kings Day protest
- Google Scholar: No Kings Day protests
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Protest
- Google News: No Kings Day protests
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
