Thousands of New Jersey residents are expected to take part in No Kings protests on Saturday, joining millions nationwide in an organized demonstration against the Trump administration.
More than 50 towns across New Jersey will host rallies, from Atlantic City and Vineland to Newark, Teaneck and Trenton.
It is the second No Kings day this year. The first came on June 14, which ended up being one of the largest single-day protests in American history.
Organized by a coalition including the ACLU of New Jersey, MoveOn, Indivisible, Public Citizen, and the American Federation of Teachers, the NJ No Kings protests aim to oppose what participants describe as corruption, abuses of power and attacks on democratic institutions. The movement’s name reflects the principle that the U.S. is a democracy—not a monarchy.
Numerous Republican officials have denounced the protests. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson called the movement the “hate-America rally” when asked about the planned protests last week.
Other Republicans in Congress have called into questioning the groups funding the event. Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas claimed, without evidence, that protestors were being paid to show up, even suggesting that the National Guard may have to be deployed against the efforts.
Where Are NJ No Kings Protests?
Rallies are planned across South Jersey, including Pine Hill, Glassboro and Vineland, along the Shore, and in northern towns such as Newark, Rutherford and Teaneck. Organizers stress all events will remain nonviolent. Weapons are prohibited, and participants are urged to act lawfully and de-escalate confrontations.
The protests come less than a month before New Jersey’s gubernatorial election between Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli. Trump has endorsed Ciattarelli, who has shaped much of his campaign around the president’s policies, stating in the last debate “I would certainly give the President an ‘A’” when asked how he would grade Trump’s performance in his second term so far.
Neither candidate has commented on the October 18 No Kings protests; however, Sherrill participated in a June 14 No Kings protest in Montclair.
What Are the No Kings Protests About?
Supporters describe No Kings as part of a larger national movement against what they describe as authoritarian actions by the administration, including immigration enforcement and policy shifts affecting healthcare, education and the environment.
The movement’s slogan is simple: “No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings.”
Organizers say it outlines the belief inscribed within the Constitution that the country belongs to its people, not to concentrated power in Washington, D.C., and that citizens must continue to show up, speak out, and defend democracy.
You can find the full list of 50+ NJ No Kings protests and more information here
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