News Summary
Thousands of Rhode Islanders gathered in Providence to participate in the ‘No Kings’ rally, which was part of a nationwide movement against the Trump administration. The event drew over 30,000 attendees, surpassing the numbers seen during Trump’s presidential inaugurations. With a diverse range of concerns, protesters highlighted issues such as threats to democracy and immigrant rights. Prominent speakers emphasized the importance of civic engagement in the fight against perceived authoritarianism. The rally closed downtown roads but was resolved peacefully, showcasing significant public participation.
Providence Sees Thousands at “No Kings” Protest Against Trump Administration
Providence, Rhode Island witnessed a remarkable turnout on Saturday afternoon, October 18, 2025, as thousands of Rhode Islanders participated in the “No Kings” rally. The event, which was part of a national movement against the Trump administration’s policies, drew over 30,000 attendees in Providence alone. Nationwide, nearly seven million Americans joined a total of 2,700 events across all 50 states, making the “No Kings” demonstrations one of the largest single-day protests in U.S. history.
The scale of the demonstrations was significant, with 14 times more participants than both of Trump’s presidential inaugurations combined. Protesters gathered to reject what they perceive as authoritarianism and reaffirm the belief that democracy belongs to the people. The atmosphere was marked by a sense of unity and purpose, as individuals expressed a diverse range of concerns, including threats to democracy, immigrant rights, and police activities.
Prominent Speakers and Messages
The rally featured speakers such as Ezra Levin and Leah Greenberg, Co-Founders of Indivisible, who emphasized the importance of resistance against perceived authoritarianism. MoveOn Executive Director Katie Bethell shared a message of collective love for the country among the protesters, while the ACLU’s Deirdre Schifeling highlighted the significance of exercising First Amendment rights through nonviolent protests.
March Through Providence
During the demonstration, marchers started from the State House and passed various significant landmarks throughout the city. The event showcased humorous and playful elements, with attendees donning inflatable animal costumes and brandishing colorful signs. Local protests were also organized in nearby areas, including North Kingstown and Seekonk, contributing to the collective effort against the administration’s policies.
Political Support and Perspectives
Several local political figures, including state representatives, joined the protest, demonstrating their support for the demonstrators. However, Rhode Island GOP Chair Joe Power expressed skepticism about the ultimate impact of the protests on real issues affecting Rhode Islanders, despite their attention on social media.
Civic Engagement and Conclusion
Activists at the rally stressed the importance of civic engagement and involvement in democracy, reinforcing the message that public participation is vital in shaping society. The protest successfully closed down parts of the downtown area, but it was resolved peacefully by the afternoon, allowing traffic to return to normal.
As Rhode Islanders took to the streets in large numbers, the “No Kings” rally not only drew attention to local concerns but also aligned with a broader, nationwide movement aimed at challenging the current administration’s policies and defending democratic values across the United States.
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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.
