![Protesters came with signs of all shapes and sizes, from banners strung across the Embarcadero Road underpass to handheld sheets of paper to quilted fabric signs. Protestors Linda and Megan have been making their own signs since the first No King’s protest, hoping to encourage more people to speak out against the administration. “If we don't protest, how is it [the current state of affairs] ever gonna change?” Megan says. “It's not gonna change. If everybody stayed home, we’d be done.”](https://anthromagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/IMG_4197-1200x900.jpeg)
Marching for a better future for America, Palo Alto protesters demonstrating against the Trump administration lined El Camino Real on Saturday, October 18.
Many Americans feel targeted by leading politicians such as President Trump on free speech, immigration policies, and alleged unconstitutionality. According to CNN, approximately seven million of them protested nationwide for the second No King’s protest, an increase of two million since June’s protest.
As anti-Trump turnout increases, many protesters say change is underway. According to young people like 17-year-old student Kate, demonstrating helps to ensure a better future by showing active opposition to the Trump administration.
“I showed up to support this because I really value my rights, and I really want to have the right to vote in the future,” Kate says. “My ideas are in line with the founding ideas of this country — that it’s a democracy.”
Parents like Ava, a Palo Alto local, also supported the cause to provide better futures for their kids in hopes that more parents will join.
“What’s happening in this country is really disturbing and disgusting, and I want a good future for my kids and all of the American people,” Ava says. “We need to be visible. We need to be loud, and if anyone is on the fence, maybe seeing us can get them to see the truth.”
Following the protest, Rinconada Park held a “Democracy Fair” where speakers like representative Sam Liccardo spoke out against the Trump administration and reassured protesters of the changes they are making.
“There’s a moment when it’s so imperative that Americans stand up against everything we’re facing together,” Liccardo told the Mountain View Voice. “I think as we see more people standing up, it gives courage to others. People get more engaged and they start volunteering.”
During former Judge Ladoris Cordell’s speech, around 10 counter-protesters in support of the Trump Administration came, sporting MAGA hats and pro-Trump signs while chanting.
“We should be thanking this MAGA king who, today, is at the White House,” Trump supporter Nancy Githoitho told ABC News.
According to Githoitho, the group sought to bring awareness to California’s pro-Trump minority and protested Prop. 50, which will temporarily change congressional district lines in favor of Democrats. Both groups of protesters were nonviolent, each chanting respective slogans. However, the counter-protesters were quickly surrounded by security personnel and escorted away from the park.
Despite the counter demonstration, many anti-Trump protesters were optimistic about the effects of No King’s Day 2.0 since larger crowds spread more awareness about the ongoing issues.
Anne Frahn is an active member and organizer of Swing Left Peninsula, an organization at the Democracy fair pushing close electoral races over the edge in favor of the Democratic Party. She thinks the movement is gaining more traction and making a difference.
“I think it’s very uplifting in these really difficult times to see so many people showing up on a Saturday to parade for democracy and human rights,” Frahn says. “It’s [the protest] bigger than the first time. I’ve seen a lot of returning faces, a lot of smiles, and they’re bringing friends. So I don’t know what the attendance is gonna be, but I’d be shocked if it wasn’t significantly larger than last time.”
Larger turnout, however, is concerning for current pro-Trump administration members. According to ABC News, Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, has labeled “No Kings” protests as “anti-American.”
“If President Trump was a king, the government would be open right now,” Johnson told ABC, referring to the government shutdown.
Although the Palo Alto protest was peaceful, many pro-Trump Republicans fear violence stemming from similar demonstrations.
“We have video and photos of pretty violent rhetoric calling out the president, saying fascists must die and all the rest,” Johnson said. “So it’s not about the people [Democrats], it’s about the message.”
To combat this violent image, some anti-Trump protesters dressed up as unicorns, like Nia, who came to the second No King’s protest after frustration with the current government.
“The administration’s trying to say these are violent protests, and that narrative falls apart if people are in ridiculous costumes and being peaceful,” Nia says. “So we kind of take the wind out of their sails if we show that we’re here peacefully and protesting, which is our civic duty.”