On October 18, 2025, over a thousand people gathered around the front steps of the State Capitol building in Lincoln, Nebraska to take part in the nationwide ‘No Kings’ protests. The protest was primarily anti-Trump, but covered ground in many different policy areas, including: queer rights, women’s reproductive health, immigration laws, and the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Though the protests targeted the United States’s current administration, demonstrations were held globally in Mexico, Canada, several European countries, and other countries affected by US policies and actions.
In the days leading up to the protests, Democrat and Republican lawmakers alike commented on the demonstrations. Current House Speaker Mike Johnson referred to the protests as promoting “hateful messages” and “anti-America.” Despite this, he congratulated protestors on a violence-free exercise in free speech. Other policymakers also commented on the protests, many attending themselves, as Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and Mayor of Chicago Brandon Johnson were featured speakers at their cities’ respective protests.
“Thank you to the millions of Americans who turned out in small communities and big cities all over this country to say loudly and boldly: No more kings,” Sen. Sanders posted on the X app after the protests.
Though the protest in Lincoln wasn’t as large as cities like San Diego–which had over 25,000 attendees–hundreds of people turned up to speak out, including many Lincoln East High School students and former alumni.
“I’m protesting because this is not what America’s about,” East alum Madeleine Schmidt said. “I think there are a lot of people who deserve to be protected by our government, who are being thrown under the bus, and It’s really nice to see so many Nebraskans specifically show that they don’t stand for this.”
Lincoln’s protests, although very vocal about pressing issues, appeared almost as a block party. Multiple congregators marched in inflatable costumes, and some handed out water and roses free of charge. Vendors lined the capital steps, advocating for their causes, some with interactive activities. For most, instead of potentially instigating public unrest, the demonstration was a safe space for all people, no matter what they disagreed with.
The protest garnered attention from even primarily conservative groups. “This is the first administration that I could ever recall that was so intent on sowing division in this country,” US military veteran Brandon Miller said. “I’ve seen enough conflict in my early days, very serious conflicts. I learned, you know what, I want to bring people together. This is the first point in my life where I’ve really felt like I need to at least show up for this.”
Miller makes a valuable point. Tensions are rising between parties as Trump’s orders gain international attention from tariffed countries. Dissent has also been shown not just by street protestors, but by major universities rejecting Trump’s proposed funding deal, and judges halting his orders to deploy troops in major cities like Chicago and New York.
Notably, despite the inherent tension of the protests, they remained peaceful. In large cities with 10-20 gatherings across different neighborhoods and boroughs, major police departments reported no arrests or charges.
“We’re here because we love our country,” Miller continued. “We all want to encourage our country and the administration, our government, and our people to do the right thing.”
Though the date for the next No Kings protest remains unset, there’s no doubt that those who attended will continue to speak out, peacefully fighting for their cause.
