Thousands March in Western New York to Oppose Trump Policies

Thousands of demonstrators participated in protests across Western New York on October 18, 2025, as part of the nationwide “No Kings” movement, voicing their opposition to the policies of the Trump administration. With an estimated crowd of around 5,000, protesters gathered in various locations, including Rochester’s Genesee Gateway Park, highlighting issues such as military presence in cities, cuts to essential programs, and stricter immigration enforcement.

Among the protesters was Jalen Wims, who emphasized the importance of civic engagement. “We can take a second out of our busy lives to show up for a cause or something that we deem is important,” he stated. His friends, Maeve O’Brien and Natalia Orozco, echoed similar sentiments, with Orozco expressing her concerns about policies affecting her future. “I’m here today because I want to be heard,” she said, having moved from Colombia to pursue her education.

The protests unfolded as the United States entered a third week of a government shutdown led by the Republican Party. Nathan Leedom, a demonstrator from Fairport, responded to comments made by House Speaker Mike Johnson, who had described the “No Kings” movement as “Hate America rallies.” Leedom countered, “But look at all these American flags. Look at all these people who love this country — and they hate what they see.”

Younger participants, including Hayden Damer and Chase Kennedy, expressed their eagerness to engage politically. Both are first-time voters and stressed the importance of participation in democratic processes. Damer articulated his concerns regarding immigration enforcement, stating, “There are better and safer ways to do this. Making it so that people can’t live here is just a problem.”

Healthcare issues also surfaced during the protests. A participant named Roxanne voiced her fears about access to medical care. “I feel like I’ll just be left out to die because I won’t be able to afford my health insurance,” she shared, reflecting the anxieties of many regarding potential cuts to programs like Medicaid.

Dr. Arnold Matlin, a local activist and organizer for Genesee Valley Citizens for Peace, spoke about the necessity of mobilizing in smaller communities often deemed conservative. “These are the places where we need to come out,” he remarked during a rally in Livonia.

In response to the protests, House Speaker Mike Johnson took to social media platform X, alleging that the events had connections to funding by George Soros and the Communist Party USA, reinforcing his view of the demonstrations. “How could there be any more appropriate nickname than the ‘Hate America Rally?'” he wrote.

The tension surrounding the protests highlights the polarized political climate in the United States. President Trump has dismissed the label of “king” applied to him by protesters, asserting, “I’m not a king.” Meanwhile, Peter Elder, the Monroe GOP Chair, commented on the irony of the protests, stating, “If we truly lived under a king, this protest wouldn’t be allowed.”

As the “No Kings” movement gains traction, the ongoing debates about government policies and their impact on American lives continue to fuel public discourse. The rallies in Western New York exemplify a growing wave of activism as citizens seek to voice their concerns and influence the future of their country.