Thousands of people flocked to the Tennessee State Capitol on Oct. 18 for the second iteration of the nationwide set of “No Kings” rallies in protest of President Donald Trump and his administration’s policies.
Protesters of all ages turned out on Saturday for the event, which was organized by progressive activist group Nashville Indivisible. Some attendees waved signs and American flags, while others dressed in flashy costumes as they filled a portion of Capitol Hill known as "Snow Sled Hill" and later lined James Robertson Parkway.
Protesters gather in downtown Nashville for the No Kings Rally, Oct. 18, 2025
Local activists and religious leaders addressed the crowd, accompanied by officials with organizations like United Volunteers of Tennessee and Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC).
“We’re here today because we refuse to live under kings, dictators and tyrants,” Jennifer Brinkman, a volunteer with Nashville Indivisible, told the crowd. “The rich and powerful are dividing us. … They want to strip away our health care. This isn't a left or right issue. This is an up and down issue — bullies and billionaires at the top, and we're at the bottom.”
Organizers cited the National Guard deployment in Memphis, immigration crackdowns, the recent White House compact offer with Vanderbilt University and other policies put forth by the Trump administration as reasons for their opposition. They also encouraged attendees to vote, noting the upcoming special election for the 7th Congressional District.
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Among other speakers was Nashville activist Odessa Kelly, who ran for the 7th District seat in 2022.
“They cannot steal your spirit,” Kelly said. “You are the embodiment of the American Dream. The best education we can give to our children is that we stand up for what is right. We don't bow to tyranny. We don't bow to all of those who oppress others.”
Musicians Allison Russell, Emmylou Harris, Devon Gilfillian, Denitia and Julie Williams performed "Tennessee Rise” just before the crowd filled the sidewalks to cheer at passing cars, Metro buses and tourist-packed vehicles.
Protest signs featured a range of messages, some calling Trump a dictator, urging an end to the current government shutdown, demanding affordable health care and condemning actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Protesters gather in downtown Nashville for the No Kings Rally, Oct. 18, 2025
Several protesters told the Nashville Scene they worried for democracy and that’s what motivated them to show up on Saturday.
“This is a takeover of our country and everything that we have fought for,” an attendee named Christina told the Scene. “I am a Native American, and I can tell you what, we would not have stood for this again.”
Tennessee native Julie Walker said she attends protests often, and one of the reasons she showed up on Saturday was to oppose increased immigration enforcement seen since Trump took office.
“I’d love to see us get ICE out of all of these towns that they are being deployed in,” Walker said. “I think it’s absolutely crazy to be turning our own military on people. I would also love to see just any consequences for the completely illegal stuff that’s going on right now throughout the country.”
Author Joyce Carol Oates attended the rally as the Southern Festival of Books — which faced federal funding cuts earlier this year — took place across the street at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, the site of the last No Kings event in Nashville.
Tennessee Highway Patrol officers were seen monitoring the event, which remained peaceful, though some counterprotesters walked around the area.
Additional reporting by Hamilton Matthew Masters.
