More than 19 “No Kings” demonstrations are scheduled in Columbus—including the Ohio Statehouse—and several of the city’s outlying suburbs and rural communities on Oct. 18 as part of a nationwide network of protests against fascism.
What began as a U.S.-based protest movement has evolved into a global symbol of resistance. The movement is critical of the Trump Administration’s policies, including the ICE immigration crackdown and cuts to federal healthcare and education services.
The phrase “No Kings” now appears on banners, flags, and chants at demonstrations against corruption and government overreach.
What is a “No Kings” protest?
“No Kings” is a nonviolent protest movement founded in the United States as pushback against what organizers describe as the Trump administration’s “drift toward executive overreach.”
The group says it is nonpartisan and pro-democracy, emphasizing collective power over centralized authority. The movement gained national attention in June 2025, when demonstrators gathered in Philadelphia on President Trump’s 79th birthday, Flag Day and the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary. The protest was staged as a counterpoint to a military parade in Washington, D.C., which organizers characterized as an assertion of power.
Their core message is summarized in their slogan: “No thrones, no crowns, no kings.”
Columbus suburbs like Hilliard and Dublin have already held several peaceful walking demonstrations and look forward to joining the rest of central Ohio who will gather on Oct. 18. Trish Barker, the chairperson for community organization, Progress Hilliard, said their goal is to have their voices heard and spark action in the government to “do a better job at managing extremism, especially during the shutdown.
“We’re not getting anywhere without discourse,” Barker said. “We need to have our elected officials listen to us and do something.”
Barker, who said more than 200 people have already signed up to attend Hilliard’s rally, expects a large turnout—even up to 1,000 people—depending on the weather. Caravans will also take local gatherers to the Ohio Statehouse rally, which begins at 4 p.m.
‘No Kings’ becoming an international symbol
In the United States, the movement’s imagery often features the phrase “NO KINGS IN AMERICA” in white letters on a navy background, sometimes paired with a crossed-out crown — a visual rejection of monarchy or authoritarian rule.
While rooted in the U.S., the message has spread far beyond its borders. Demonstrations inspired by or echoing “No Kings” have appeared in Tokyo, Mexico City and across Canada, where local groups have adopted the slogan to represent their own fights against corruption and political excess.
The ‘No Kings’ connection to a symbolic One Piece flag
A companion symbol also emerged alongside the movement: the “One Piece” straw hat pirate flag, drawn from the Japanese manga and anime series. The flag — a skull wearing a straw hat — has become a global emblem of rebellion, freedom and defiance against oppressive authority.
From Indonesia to France, Nepal and Madagascar, youth-led protests have raised the straw hat flag to express solidarity against corruption and state power.
For many, these overlapping political and cultural movements have turned “No Kings” into more than a slogan, it’s become a shared language of resistance, connecting people around the world through a common call for accountability and freedom.
“I think many people bring their own reasons to protests,” Barker said “But most people are just really fed up with inaction.”
Upcoming ‘No Kings’ gatherings in Ohio
Ohio is set to host dozens of “No Kings” gatherings and demonstrations on Saturday, Oct. 18. Here’s where you can expect them:
‘No Kings’ demonstrations in Columbus, central Ohio demonstrations:
Trending reporter Amani Bayo can be reached at abayo@dispatch.com.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: ‘No Kings’ anti-Trump protests scheduled across Ohio, including Statehouse in Columbus
Reporting by Amani Bayo, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
