UPDATE FROM NEW YORK: THE “NO KINGS” SCENE AND THE POWER OF THE DEMOCRATIC WILL
New York City, on the afternoon of October 18, 2025, became the epicenter of the “No Kings” movement, one of the largest mass demonstrations in modern American history. With the participation of tens of thousands of people, turning Times Square and Manhattan avenues into a sea of humanity, the event served as a powerful affirmation of the United States’ foundational principle: power belongs to the people, not a king.
The core message of the “No Kings” movement is a stand against what protesters describe as the abuse of power and authoritarian tendencies of the current administration. From tightening immigration policies and threatening to deploy federal military forces in cities, to attacking media organizations and political opponents, Americans took to the streets to defend the democratic system established in 1776.
In New York, despite its colossal size and profound political significance, the demonstration proceeded peacefully and in an organized manner. The latest update at 2 p.m. indicated that this “historic” protest had been cleared, with no reports of violence or arrests in Manhattan. This not only demonstrated the professionalism of New York law enforcement but also attested to the discipline and non-violent commitment of the participants themselves.
The “No Kings” protest in New York, as well as nationwide, is more than just an immediate act of resistance. It is an awakening to the role of citizens in overseeing state power, a reaffirmation that in a republic, no one is permitted to stand above the law or the constitution. When the crowds chanted “No Kings,” they were not just criticizing an individual but defending an ideal: America is governed by “We the People,” not by a monarch’s decree.
The event has concluded, but the message endures. It serves as a reminder that democracy is not a given but a continuous process of struggle and defense.
