A demonstrator holds up a sign at the Philadelphia “No Kings” rally, Oct. 18. PHOTO: LUKE SANELLI ’26/THE HAWK
An estimated 15,000 demonstrators gathered outside Philadelphia’s City Hall Oct. 18, chanting “No Kings” as part of a nationwide protest against President Donald Trump and his administration. Demonstrations were attended by nearly seven million people in more than 2,500 cities and towns across the country, according to the “No Kings” website.
Starting around 12 p.m., demonstrators marched from City Hall toward Independence Mall holding handmade signs, wearing costumes and peacefully expressing their frustration with the Trump administration.
Bob Zigmont, a retired letter carrier and self-described “political activist” who attended the demonstration, said it was important for him to participate.
“I’ve been retired 13 years, but I still come out to everything here because this is unacceptable, terribly unacceptable,” Zigmont said. “Ignoring the courts, ignoring the Constitution, just throwing everything in everyone’s face, and nobody holds anybody accountable anymore.”
Oct. 18 marked the second “No Kings” protest in 2025. The first took place June 14, with millions gathering in nationwide demonstrations on the same day the United States Army held a parade in honor of its 250th anniversary, which also corresponded with Trump’s 79th birthday.
Sam Rise, who also attended the Oct. 18 demonstration, said they were protesting the violent authoritarianism Trump represents. For Rise, it was also an opportunity for the community to come together for a shared purpose.
“We’re saying, ‘No Kings,’” Rise said. “That means no billionaires, no red kings, no blue kings. It means that we have to choose each other and fight tyranny wherever it is. So, mostly I’m here to connect with other people that want to find a political home and that want to organize together to build a better world.”
Mike Borrelli ’15, MBA ’19, executive committee member and nominations co-chair for St. Joe’s Alumni Association, also attended the Oct. 18 demonstration and shared that sentiment.
“When we have these opportunities to protest peacefully, coming together in such a way just really shows our resistance,” Borrelli said. “I wouldn’t have missed it.”
Attendee Anne Olvera echoed the central theme of the “No Kings” movement: that “the power belongs to the people.”
“I hope that it’s going to be some feeling of solidarity with everybody,” Olvera said. “Our whole union is here. [The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers] is here. So, I feel like we hope to feel some momentum with all of our people together.”
Zigmont reflected on the progress his generation dreamed of and the divisiveness of the Trump administration.
“We’re all Americans,” Zigmont said. “We believe in the same things. We want the same things for our families, and it’s a disgrace.”
Bella Privitera ’26 and Sophia Galante ’26 contributed to this story.