The “No Kings” movement is returning to Maine this weekend with rallies planned in several cities and towns across the state. Organizers say the events are aimed at protesting what they describe as increasingly authoritarian tactics by President Donald Trump.
The movement, launched by Indivisible, a nonprofit coalition of political action groups, has organized similar demonstrations in the past. Those earlier efforts drew crowds but resulted in no major legislative or political changes.
Rallies are scheduled for Saturday, October 18, at locations across Maine:
• Portland – Deering Oaks Park, 1:30–3:00 p.m.
• Belfast – Steamboat Landing Park, 2:00–5:00 p.m.
• Ellsworth – City Hall, 12:00–2:00 p.m.
• Rockland – Chapman Park, 12:00–1:00 p.m.
• Bangor – Broadway Park, 12:00–2:00 p.m.
• Freeport – Main & School Street, 8:00–11:00 a.m.
• Wiscasset – Route 1 Bridge, 10:00–11:00 a.m.
• Brunswick – Downtown, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
The rallies are part of a coordinated national push involving more than 2,500 events across the country. Organizers describe the effort as a call to “defend democracy,” but critics say it is largely symbolic and aimed more at energizing activists than enacting real change.
Opponents note that the U.S. system of government does not give presidential powers resembling a monarchy. They also point to what they see as tangible achievements under Trump’s leadership, including foreign policy breakthroughs such as efforts toward peace in the Middle East.
Similar rallies are planned across the country, with organizers expecting thousands of participants nationwide. Analysts say the events are designed to galvanize the progressive base ahead of the next election cycle, but skeptics argue the movement has relied on rhetoric rather than results. While the rallies may generate headlines, critics say the movement is built on a flawed premise, protesting a “king” that doesn’t exist. In their view, it’s political theater, not policy change.
U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), his son Angus King III who is seeking the Democrat nomination for governor, and Democrat mega-donor and best-selling author Stephen King – who share left of center leanings – all reportedly understand that the movement is not directed at them.
