What does ‘No Kings’ day mean? Reasons why protests are happening in NC
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- “No Kings” protests across the U.S. and North Carolina oppose President Donald Trump.
- Protestors cite redrawing maps and sending ICE agents into cities as reasons for rallies.
- Protests were also held in June, coinciding with a milestone U.S. Army anniversary.
This weekend, many people across North Carolina and the country are expected to participate in a second round of “No Kings” protests.
The events, which are scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 18, are in opposition to what the No Kings website calls President Donald Trump’s “authoritarian power grabs.”
Several examples of the administration’s moves are listed on the No Kings website:
- Sending into cities “masked agents” who are targeting immigrants, profiling, arresting and detaining people without warrants
- Threatening to overtake elections
- “Gutting” health care, environmental protections and education
- “Rigging” maps: North Carolina Republicans are now among the GOP legislators engaging in redistricting efforts to favor the party ahead of the 2026 midterm elections and “protect President Trump’s agenda.”
- Ignoring mass shootings
- Increasing the cost of living while “handing out massive giveaways” to billionaires
NC GOP response to No Kings protests
This weekend’s protests are the second set of No Kings events since June. Multiple demonstrations are planned for the Triangle alone, and several more are expected in the Charlotte area. Similarly, over the summer, there were several No Kings protests in the Triangle and around Charlotte.
This second round of protests reflects Democrats’ failure to “tamp down” on encouragement of political violence, Matt Mercer, communications director for the North Carolina GOP, told The News & Observer in a phone call.
Mercer gave several examples of these acts, including Rep. Julie von Haefen’s June social media post showing a video with an image of a No Kings protester holding a sign with a guillotine and a mask appearing to be a beheaded Trump. Von Haefen later took down and apologized for the post.
“It’s just very concerning when you see this real lack of interest in stopping the left’s political violence,” Mercer said. “And I hope we don’t see it again this weekend.”
Who is behind No Kings protests?
No Kings protests are being organized by many groups.
The Raleigh event, for example, is organized by Triangle Resistance United, a coalition of 10 groups including 50501 NC, Democracy Out Loud and General Strike Carolinas.
Charlotte’s protest is being hosted by eight organizations such as Carolina Migrant Network, Center for Common Ground NC and Common Cause NC.
First No Kings protests
Over the summer, millions of people across the U.S. participated in No Kings protests.
The rallies were held Saturday, June 14, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, Flag Day and Trump’s 79th birthday.
This story was originally published October 17, 2025 at 12:16 PM with the headline "What does ‘No Kings’ day mean? Reasons why protests are happening in NC."
