Mass Protests Against Authoritarianism Draw Millions, Prompt Jon Stewart Commentary

Millions of Americans participated in nationwide demonstrations yesterday, October 20, 2025, protesting what organizers termed a slide toward authoritarianism, a movement that has drawn attention from political commentators like Jon Stewart.

The protests, dubbed “No Kings Day,” saw approximately 7 million participants across the United States, with 2,700 events taking place nationwide. Notably, organizers reported zero mass shootings occurred during the demonstrations, despite prior warnings from some Republican lawmakers who predicted widespread unrest. These protests highlight growing concerns about democratic backsliding and the potential for abuse of power.

Stewart addressed the shift in rhetoric following the peaceful protests, noting a pivot from labeling protesters as “terrorists” to questioning allegations against former President Trump regarding monarchical tendencies. “The ironic part about Republicans complaining that he is being dubbed a king is that in their minds, he has already surpassed that title anyway and moved on to a much higher calling,” Stewart stated. “He’s not a king. He’s a deity, sent by God to bring peace to all of mankind, a Jesus-like figure. I mean, I get it. There is a lot of crossover.” For more on the history of protests in the United States, see Britannica’s overview of American protests.

Senator Bernie Sanders, appearing in an interview with Stewart, offered a succinct assessment of the situation, stating, “These are religious people, and their religion is greed.” The events come as the political landscape continues to be intensely polarized, with ongoing debates about the role of government and individual liberties. Pew Research Center has extensively documented the increasing political divide in the U.S.

Officials have not yet issued a formal response to the protests, but are expected to address the concerns raised in the coming days.