Lexington, Kentucky, October 20, 2025
News Summary
Massive ‘No Kings’ rallies erupted across the country, with over 25,000 protests on Saturday, highlighting concerns over civil rights and the Trump administration. The Lexington, Kentucky event drew significant crowds, emphasizing community engagement and the power of the people. Activists expressed their dissent through spirited chants and inclusive participation, aiming to inspire change in upcoming elections and advocate for civil liberties.
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY — Over 25,000 “No Kings” rallies took place across the United States on Saturday, with significant protests occurring in Lexington, Danville, and Morehead, Kentucky. The event in downtown Lexington was particularly notable, attracting an enthusiastic crowd and emphasizing a collective message that power resides with the people, echoing America’s historical rejection of monarchy nearly 250 years ago.
The turnout in Lexington was reported to be larger than previous protests, filling the courthouse plaza and featuring a spirited mile-long march along Main Street and Vine Street. Protesters included individuals of all ages and backgrounds, who raised their voices against what they view as neglect of civil rights under the Trump administration. Participants chanted phrases such as “We are anti-fascists” and “No kings, no tyrants. We will not be silenced,” reflecting their determination to express dissent.
Brent Irvin, a local resident, shared feelings of hopelessness regarding the current administration, expressing concerns for civil rights that he believes are being undermined. Similarly, ninth-grade student Ezra Anglin conveyed criticism of the president’s disregard for people’s rights, articulating the frustrations held by young activists. On an even more symbolic level, Sabrina Oaks donned a bear costume to reflect her apprehensions about how current political decisions could impact future generations, particularly her grandson, citing fears of dwindling opportunities.
Organizers of the rally emphasized the importance of community engagement and active participation in democracy. Craig Blair, founder of the Peaceful Bluegrass Resistance, spoke about the need to use both voices and votes to challenge federal policies. Harry Neack, co-leader of the Bluegrass Activist Alliance, highlighted the joyous atmosphere of the protest, fostering a sense of inclusion and community among attendees.
The demonstration aimed to inspire hope as activists gear up for the upcoming local elections and work towards regaining Democratic control of the House of Representatives by 2026. The visibility of the protest was enhanced by costumed marchers, including those in inflatable costumes, which contributed to the lively ambiance. Participants like Monica Rathke used signs to convey their concerns on various political issues, including controversies surrounding the “Epstein files,” immigration policy, military actions, and economic challenges.
Audience engagement was a priority for many, including Candy Brunk, who brought her grandsons to the rally to educate them about peaceful protest and the significance of standing up for rights in today’s political climate. Former state representative Charles Booker warned of the erosion of civil rights and called for urgent action to protect democracy. In a similar vein, Bishop Mark Van Koevering criticized the rise of Christian nationalism and advocated for compassion and unity amidst societal divisions.
The impact of current policies on health research funding was also a concern voiced by Danny Morgan, who emphasized the importance of voting and participating in the political process. The Kentucky Republican Party has responded to the demonstrations, criticizing the messaging from protestors and attributing the events to actions by Governor Beshear.
As the movement gains momentum across the nation, the “No Kings” rallies serve as a platform for citizens to unite against policies they perceive to threaten democratic values, civil liberties, and future opportunities for coming generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the “No Kings” protests about?
The “No Kings” protests were organized to emphasize the belief that power belongs to the people and to protest against policies of the Trump administration that participants feel neglect civil rights.
How many protests occurred nationwide?
There were over 25,000 “No Kings” protests held across the United States on the same day as the Lexington event.
What issues were raised during the protests?
Protesters voiced concerns about civil rights, government transparency, immigration, military actions, and economic policies.
What was the atmosphere of the protest in Lexington?
The atmosphere was described as joyful and inclusive, featuring spirited chants and lively embellishments such as costumes.
What are the goals of the protestors?
The protestors aim to inspire hope for a change in political leadership and to mobilize voters for upcoming elections.
Key Features of the “No Kings” Protests
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Turnout | Over 25,000 protests nationally, with a large turnout in Lexington. |
| Protest Message | Emphasis on civil rights and power of the people. |
| Demographics | Participants of all ages, including students and families. |
| Chants and Slogans | “We are anti-fascists,” and “No kings, no tyrants.” |
| Themes Addressed | Civil rights, transparency, health research funding, and more. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Kentucky Residents Unite for ‘No Kings Day’ Protests
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Kentuckians Unite in No Kings Protest Against Trump Administration
Thousands Gather for ‘No Kings’ Protest in Lexington
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Kentucky Protests Planned Against Trump Administration
Lexington Hosts Annual Youth Gun Violence Symposium Amid Rising Violent Crime Rates
Nationwide ‘No Kings’ Protests Scheduled in Kentucky
Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: No Kings Protests in Lexington
- WKYT: Lexington Joins Nationwide No Kings Protests
- Fox 56 News: No Kings Protest in Lexington
- LEX 18: Hundreds Gathered at No Kings Protest
- Forward Kentucky: No Kings in Lexington
- Wikipedia: Protest
- Google Search: No Kings protests
- Google Scholar: Civil Rights Protests
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Protest
- Google News: No Kings protests
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
