News Summary
A nationwide series of ‘No Kings’ protests will mobilize thousands across the U.S. on October 18, challenging the Trump administration’s policies. Protests in Rhode Island include multiple demonstrations scheduled throughout the day at key locations. This grassroots movement aims to address various social and political issues, including immigration enforcement and healthcare access. Organized by progressive groups, the protests are expected to remain peaceful while voicing dissent against perceived injustices. As the U.S. faces a government shutdown, increased participation is anticipated from those affected.
PROVIDENCE — A nationwide series of “No Kings” protests is set to mobilize thousands of demonstrators on October 18, in a coordinated effort against policies of the Trump administration. The events are planned across the country, including multiple locations in Rhode Island, where protests will take place at various times throughout the day.
The demonstrations in Rhode Island include:
- Noon in Estes Park on Block Island
- 1 p.m. at the State House in Providence
- 1 p.m. at a sign-up-required location in East Greenwich
- 10 a.m. in front of North Kingston Town Hall
- Noon at a sign-up-required location in Westerly
The “No Kings” movement is a coalition of numerous progressive and pro-democracy organizations, spearheaded by Indivisible, a national grassroots group. The inaugural protests, which took place in June, drew millions of participants and highlighted widespread opposition to what many view as authoritarian policies implemented by President Trump.
On October 18, an estimated 2,000 protests are anticipated nationwide, with events scheduled in every state and major U.S. cities, as well as some locations in Canada and Mexico. Organizers have emphasized that the protests are intended to remain peaceful, seeking to voice dissent over various issues affecting communities.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has condemned the planned protests, branding them as a “Hate America rally” and suggesting they involve “pro-Hamas” and “antifa” participants. In light of the ongoing government shutdown, which began on October 1, increased attendance is expected due to layoffs among federal workers who are currently not being compensated. The American Federation of Government Employees, representing over 820,000 federal workers, has encouraged its local unions to join the protests, framing them as a vital response to what they view as abuses of power by the Trump administration.
The protests will focus on a range of pressing issues, including:
- Immigration enforcement practices by federal agents
- Disruptions to families among migrant populations
- Congressional gerrymandering
- Access to healthcare
- Rising costs of living
In neighboring Connecticut, nearly 40 protests are organized, with significant events scheduled, including a protest at Norwich City Hall from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. and another at Norwichtown Green from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., where attendees will also collect hygiene product donations for St. Vincent de Paul Place.
The “No Kings” movement was established in response to what organizers perceive as President Trump’s increasingly authoritarian tactics. This includes concerns related to responses to mass shootings and issues surrounding voter suppression. Participants in the protests are encouraged to engage in nonviolent expressions of dissent, articulating their objections to what they describe as chaos, corruption, and cruelty in governance.
As demonstrations approach, the coalition behind “No Kings” hopes to galvanize public interest and participation in issues that resonate deeply with many Americans, highlighting the commitment to protest against perceived injustices and advocating for change at national and local levels.
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Additional Resources
- Providence Journal
- Wikipedia: Protests in the United States
- Patch Rhode Island
- Google Search: No Kings Protests
- USA Today
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Protest
- WPRI
- Google News: No Kings Protests
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence 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 WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
