As Americans continue to have divergent views on President Donald Trump’s administration, a coalition of national and local organizers is planning hundreds of protests across the country Oct. 18 to condemn the country’s leadership.
Organizers are branding Saturday’s mass demonstrations as “No Kings Day,” which is a critique of Trump administration actions that protesters believe are authoritarian.
This is the second mass protest organized under the “No Kings” moniker. The first, on June 14, drew more than 4,000 people to the Indiana Statehouse on a rain-soaked day.
“There’s a lot of positive buzz,” said Monty Hulse, leader of Indivisible Central Indiana. “We are anticipating at least as many as the earlier one, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see some increase.”
Since taking office in January, Trump has taken several steps challenging the extent of his powers and presidential norms. His approval rating has remained steady around 40%, with some pollsters reporting a few points higher, according to several recent polls.
Why are people protesting Saturday, Oct. 18?
Anti-Trump protests are typically themed with phrases broadly centered on democracy or resistance, such as “Good Trouble” or “Hands off!” These demonstrations also stress a commitment to nonviolence.
“We just deliver that message to Indiana’s leaders that we want them to support our communities, not some national agenda,” Hulse said. “We really want to have people go away with hope, a prophetic belief that what we can do will overcome the threats that are facing us right now.”
This movement’s protesters show up with signs and motives for a wide breadth of issues. In the past, attendees have focused on immigration, foreign policy, federal spending cuts, civil rights, reproductive rights, the stripping of diversity commitments and tariffs.
The federal government shutdown will likely emerge as a key talking point for attendees this time as the White House and U.S. Congress fight over health care affordability and government spending. Saturday will be the 18th day of the shutdown.
Redistricting will also be a key rallying topic for Hoosiers, Hulse said. Vice President JD Vance visited the state last week as Gov. Mike Braun and the General Assembly inch toward a potential special session to redraw congressional maps to add at least one more Republican seat.
When and where is the Indianapolis “No Kings” protest?
Demonstrators will gather from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, on the south lawn of the Indiana Statehouse. Multiple speakers will address the crowd with a focus on “the challenges that are coming from a complicit state government” and how to support those impacted by this administration’s actions, Hulse said.
Typically, protesters march around the Statehouse counterclockwise to traffic throughout the event. At larger protests, people may also pool onto the east steps of the Statehouse.
No road closures have been announced as of Oct. 15. Protests often slow traffic on the streets bordering the Statehouse: Washington Street, Capitol Avenue and Ohio Street. Often, drivers slow down to honk in support, or protesters flood crosswalks.
Before the protest, organizers are also planning a three-pronged march to the Statehouse along the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. And at 11 a.m., Hulse said, attendees can browse an activist fair where they can learn about and get involved with local organizers. Music will also be played.
What about other Indiana communities?
As of Oct. 15, at least 44 “No Kings” demonstrations are planned throughout the state in all major and mid-sized cities. Organizers in several small cities, such as Brookville and La Porte, will also host protests.
A full list of planned protests is available on the No Kings website.
Who is organizing the Indianapolis protest?
Indivisible Central Indiana is the lead organizer, according to the event page, but a handful of local anti-Trump advocacy groups are involved to encourage people to go and pool resources.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana, MADVoters Indiana, Women4Change Indiana, Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis and Indivisible South Central Indiana are also co-organizers.
Over 20 other activist organizations will also be present, Hulse said.
What is 50501? Does Indiana have a chapter?
“No Kings” protests were born out of the volunteer-led 50501 movement, which stands for 50 protests in 50 states on 1 day.
In Indianapolis, organizers were responsible for themed demonstrations, including “Hands off!” on April 5, “May Day” on May 1, “No Kings” on June 14 and “Good Trouble” on July 17.
The Indiana chapter of 50501 was a central organizer of those events, but it has since disbanded after infighting divided its organizers. Leading up to Oct. 18, several existing and new protest groups have grown their presence in Indianapolis.
How do protest organizers, police estimate crowd size?
One point of conversation around protests is always the measure of how many people attended. Event organizers often use clickers and other approaches to estimate attendance.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department estimates crowd sizes using aerial technology, on-the-ground observations, and experience from past events of similar scale, a spokesperson told IndyStar in June. For example, IMPD has previously used drones to get a clearer view of crowd density.
Eric Larsen contributed reporting.
The USA TODAY Network – Indiana’s coverage of First Amendment issues is funded through a collaboration between the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners.
Have a story to tell? Reach Cate Charron by email at ccharron@indystar.com, on X at @CateCharron or Signal at @cate.charron.28.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: What to know about Indianapolis’ ‘No Kings’ anti-Trump protest Oct. 18
Reporting by Cate Charron, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
