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Indian American lawmakers join ‘No Kings’ movement opposing Trump
The demonstrations, held in all 50 states, were organized to oppose what participants called the President’s “executive overreach” and efforts to place himself “above the law.”
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Malvika Choudhary - Sat, 18, Oct 2025
- 15:46 EDT
- 40
(Top) Ro Khanna and Shri Thanedar (Bottom) Pramila Jayapal and Raja Krishnamoorthi / X ((Top) Ro Khanna and Shri Thanedar (Bottom) Pramila Jayapal and Raja Krishnamoorthi)
Several Indian American lawmakers joined progressive leaders across the country on Oct. 18 in voicing support for the nationwide “No Kings” rallies — a coordinated day of protest against what they described as President Donald Trump’s growing authoritarianism.
The demonstrations, held in all 50 states, were organized to oppose what participants called the President’s “executive overreach” and efforts to place himself “above the law.”
Also Read: Crowds start to gather for anti-Trump 'No Kings' rallies
Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17) drew on his family’s anti-colonial legacy in a video message posted on X, saying, “My grandfather spent four years in jail with Gandhi taking on a British king. Today, as his grandson, I am going to make sure Donald Trump does not become a king.”
Khanna said he stood with Senator Bernie Sanders and “millions to stop Trump from becoming a king,” urging Democrats to pair their opposition to Trump with a broader economic vision.
“Being anti-Trump is not going to be enough,” he said. “Healthcare is a right for every American… we must tackle the economic divides and inequality that are tearing this country apart and make our highest mission the economic freedom and independence of every family and every community in America.”
My grandfather spent four years in jail with Gandhi taking on a British king.
— Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) October 18, 2025
I stand with @BernieSanders & millions to stop Trump from becoming a king. #NoKings pic.twitter.com/UcDbVs4oqW
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-7), chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, shared a similar message, declaring, “We don’t have kings in America.”
In her accompanying video, she said, “Everything that we’re seeing — whether it’s destroying voting rights, whether it’s gerrymandering districts, whether it’s what governors in Republican states are doing — is all about ceding power to the king. Well, we don’t have kings in America.”
We don’t have kings in America. #NoKingsDay pic.twitter.com/mn9otYV7eI
— Pramila Jayapal (@PramilaJayapal) October 18, 2025
Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-8) described the demonstrations as a “peaceful protest against Donald Trump’s overreach,” adding, “There is NOTHING more American than using your voice to stand against tyranny.” He encouraged Illinoisans to find and join local “No Kings” rallies.
Today, millions of people will join together in a sign of peaceful protest against Donald Trump's overreach.
— Raja Krishnamoorthi (@RajaForIL) October 18, 2025
There is NOTHING more American than using your voice to stand against tyranny.
Illinoisans, you can find your local No Kings rally here: https://t.co/0k3K6QBxsw
Rep. Shri Thanedar (MI-13) also expressed support, saying he would attend rallies in Wyandotte, Taylor, and Detroit.
At No kings rally. pic.twitter.com/3F2fUx8VaE
— Shri Thanedar (@ShriThanedar) October 18, 2025
The Indian American lawmakers’ statements were part of a larger nationwide mobilization under the #NoKings banner, which drew tens of thousands of demonstrators across major cities including Washington D.C., New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Austin, according to The Washington Post and The Guardian.
Organized by a coalition that includes Indivisible, the ACLU, and the 50501 movement, the rallies featured participants wearing yellow and carrying placards reading “We have no kings.”
Organizers described the campaign as a “peaceful stand for democracy” amid growing concerns about the President’s consolidation of power and efforts to roll back civil rights protections.
Activists cited issues ranging from the erosion of voting rights and due process to cuts in social welfare programs. Some demonstrations also protested the administration’s deportation policies and the ongoing government shutdown, now entering its third week.
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