The "No Kings" protests draw their name from the idea that the United States doesn't have a king — a reference to Trump's language about himself and his administration's efforts to expand presidential powers beyond what Congress or the U.S. Constitution has authorized.

Volunteers and community groups organized the rallies, including Indivisible Charlotte and seven community partners for the uptown rally scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon in First Ward Park, 301 E. 7th St.

The No Kings “Hands off Chicago” protest was one of roughly 2,500 similar demonstrations against the Trump administration planned across the country and globe, according to organizers.

Thousands rally on Saturday, Oct. 18, in Des Moines for the No Kings protest with the Iowa State Capitol as the backdrop.

A crowd of around 3,000 people gathered for a "No Kings" rally against the Trump administration outside the Statehouse in Trenton on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025.