Category: News – Local

by Mariel Surprenant ’26 on October 23, 2025

On Saturday, Oct. 18, thousands of Rhode Islanders gathered at the Rhode Island State House for a “No Kings” protest against President Donald Trump. The protest was one of thousands held across the country, at which citizens protested President Trump’s administration and agenda. An estimated 32,000 people of all ages and backgrounds gathered at the State House on Saturday, sporting inflatable costumes, flags, and signage, causing several street closures and an increased police presence.

The “No Kings” protests sweeping the country were started by the group Indivisible, which describes its mission as “to elect progressive leaders, rebuild our democracy, and defeat the Trump agenda.” The name of the demonstration comes from the group’s first mobilization effort on June 14, President Trump’s birthday. The “No Kings” protest was meant to “drown out” President Trump’s birthday parade in Washington, D.C. and send a clear message that protestors were fed up with what they see as President Trump’s authoritarian expansion of executive power.

The Providence protest was the largest “No Kings” protest in the state of Rhode Island. The event was attended by many left-wing activist groups, including the Raging Grannies, the Free Palestine Contingent, the Democratic Socialists of America, and Providence College’s very own Providence Immigrant Rights Coalition. The event was also attended by Rhode Island state Representatives Teresa Tanzi and. David Morales, a democratic socialist running against incumbent Brett Smiley in the 2026 mayoral election.

“Thank you for standing with our immigrant community,” Morales told the crowd. “Thank you for standing with our immigrant neighbors. Together we’re going to demonstrate that Rhode Island is a home for everyone, especially our immigrant brothers, sisters, and non-binary friends.”

At issue included increasing ICE raids across the nation, LGBTQ+ rights, the Russia-Ukraine war, the genocide in Gaza, funding for education and the national parks, the Epstein files, and President Trump’s accusations of fraud, bribery, rape, sexual harassment, and discrimination. Multiple demonstrators sported inflatable animal costumes in solidarity with protestors in Portland, OR, while others wore light yellow as a symbol of hope and nonviolent dissent.

“I’ve never considered myself a political person, but things have gone so far off course that I couldn’t stay silent any longer. Being here today in Providence was both heartbreaking and inspiring—heartbreaking that it’s come to this, but inspiring to see so many people standing up for democracy, decency, and each other,” said Jeanne, a protest participant and resident of Providence.