Podcast Summary: "What NO KINGS Means"

Podcast: Next Comes What
Host: Andrea Pitzer
Date: October 23, 2025
Episode Theme: Learning from the rise of strongmen worldwide to resist Trump’s authoritarianism

Overview of the Episode

Andrea Pitzer explores the massive "no Kings" protests across the US—an unprecedented, nationwide anti-Trump demonstration framed around resisting authoritarianism. The episode unpacks the meaning of the “no Kings” slogan, the significance of mass protest in today's America, and how lessons from other countries’ experiences with strongmen can help prevent and resist autocratic backsliding. Pitzer and guests reflect on protest strategies, the risks participants face, the need for collective action, and the importance of inclusivity, highlighting both the celebratory and serious currents of the movement.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Scale & Symbolism of the No Kings Protests

• Historic turnout: Organizers cite 5.2–8.2 million participants, estimated as the largest single-day protest in modern US history ([00:01]).
• Protests took place in over 2,600 locations, including every state and small towns in Alaska ([01:06]).
• Symbol: "No Kings" frames opposition to Trump's perceived monarchic behavior as fundamentally American, rooted in anti-authoritarian tradition ([05:03]).

“No thrones, no crowns, no kings.” – Activist/Speaker ([05:03])

2. Movement Leadership & Next Steps

• Ezra Levin (Indivisible): The march is just the beginning—real change requires evolving tactics, not just single days of action ([02:43]-[02:59]).
  • Aim: “Reduce harm, fracture the coalition that is pushing this authoritarian overreach and regain some power so we can usher in an era of accountability...” ([02:43])
  • Successful movements are dynamic, responsive, and persistent.

“Successful movements evolve and grow and mature and engage in new tactics.” – Ezra Levin ([02:59])

3. Protest Atmosphere & Demographics

• Festive and inclusive: Inflatable costumes, humor, and a sense of fun were widespread, which research shows helps lower barriers to entry for newcomers ([05:51], [14:42]).
• Diversity: While still predominantly white and educated, there was visible youth participation and more intergenerational presence ([04:03], [12:31], [13:14]).
• Safety: Police largely abstained from violence or arrests, which is itself a signal of shifting dynamics ([21:58]).
• Not all activists see this “party” style as positive, but hosts argue any engagement is valuable ([25:03]).

4. Risks, Reactions, and Authoritarian Backlash

• Rising stakes: Many participants questioned their safety or faced threats and government rhetoric framing them as “terrorists” ([15:52], [16:45]).
• Delegitimization tactics: Trump administration ties opposition to criminality or terrorism — a “classic authoritarian move” ([15:52]).

“The most recent development that concerns me is this rhetoric coming from the president... increasingly linking the broad opposition, any opposition to terrorism, to criminality, and so delegitimizing the entire opposition. ... That's a classic authoritarian move.” – Andrea Pitzer ([15:52])

• Despite risks, the turnout itself was profoundly meaningful—a visible rejection of fear, signaling to politicians, media, and the judiciary ([11:42], [12:10]).

5. Protest Efficacy and Movement Building

• Nonviolent mass action: Researchers and activists agree that peaceful, visible dissent wins more support and makes future participation easier ([24:29], [24:46]).
• Momentum and recruitment: The broad, low-risk, and festive approach is strategic for getting more “normies” involved and shifting public perception of what’s possible ([13:14], [18:39]).
• Tensions exist over protest style and seriousness, but diversity of tactics is ultimately a strength ([25:03]).

6. Changing Attitudes Toward Violence

• Significant decline in support for violent political action among protest attendees (from 38% disagreeing at a previous event to 59% at this one) ([13:55]).
• Reflects increased backlash to assassination and violence, and more hopefulness as visible resistance grows ([17:06]).

7. Institutional Responses and Power Struggles

• Some police departments seemed to “thumb their nose” at federal pressure for confrontation, instead signaling peaceful protest was tolerated ([21:58], [23:53]).
• This may be a pragmatic calculation for local interests or an indicator of splintering within state power ([23:53]).
• Nationwide, local demonstrations can change perceptions even in Trump strongholds ([29:08]).

8. Calls for Action and Next Steps

• General strike: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson called for a general strike, suggesting the movement is gaining labor backing ([19:18]).
• The episode highlights the need for concrete, ongoing activism, not just one-off events—mutual aid, community organizing, and “building the world you want” ([32:39]).
• Emphasis that protest is just a start: “We have to normalize dominant American culture being one that stands up for the vulnerable against these abuses.” ([23:53])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Are we afraid?... Did they scare us off?... Are we getting back down now? That's right. Because what we are doing here today is as American as apple pie. We are standing up for our rights. We are standing up for our neighbors.” – Protester ([04:32])
• “It is up to us to save us.” – Activist/Speaker ([05:27])
• “The message is that, yes, this is an authoritarian government, it's violating the law... But this is a very contested process. The game is not up. This is contested, and there is a lot of muscle out there in society fighting back.” – Andrea Pitzer ([12:10])
• “If my ancestors as slaves can lead the greatest general strike in the history of this country, taking it to the ultra rich and big corporations, we can do the same today.” – Activist/Speaker ([19:18])
• “It's very difficult to, with a straight face, look into the camera and call protesters in frog outfits dangerous terrorists.” – Andrea Pitzer ([21:18])
• “Fascism is part the system and letting it get to this point because of one person. So I'm here to bring awareness to that and express my values as a citizen, as an American.” – Citizen/Participant ([26:23])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:01 – 01:06: Event scale and nationwide mobilization—intros and historical context
• 02:43 – 02:59: Movement vision—Ezra Levin on next steps beyond marching
• 04:32 – 05:03: Protester speeches; affirmation of democratic ideals
• 10:00 – 11:42: Research on protest demographics and risks—Erica Chenoweth
• 12:10 – 13:14: Andrea Pitzer on signaling, judiciary, and building movements
• 14:42 – 15:36: Importance of festival atmosphere—tactical frivolity
• 15:52 – 16:45: Risks, threats of violence, and authoritarian delegitimization
• 19:18 – 19:39: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s call for a general strike
• 21:18 – 21:58: Satirical costumes defang authoritarian rhetoric
• 23:53 – 24:29: Police responses as PR and institutional bets
• 25:03 – 26:23: Diversity of activism and role of critics
• 29:08 – 30:04: Protest in red states and local impact
• 32:39 – 33:20: Concrete actions and closing advice

Conclusions & Takeaways

• The "no Kings" movement is a powerful, historic demonstration of resistance to Trump’s authoritarianism—part protest, part celebration, and a clear rejection of kingly power.
• Mass mobilization, inclusivity, and nonviolent direct action send strong signals to all corners of society, including reluctant power holders and previously unengaged citizens.
• The movement’s diversity and creativity—while sometimes divisive—are sources of resilience and growth.
• Action must not stop with protest; lasting change will require a mosaic of local and national efforts, mutual aid, and concrete demands.
• Hope and momentum are building; history provides inspiration, but this moment demands new solutions drawn from wide participation and imagination.

For listeners who want to help:
Go beyond critique—find or create your role, organize in your community, support mutual aid, and keep the pressure up. This moment of resistance can shift what’s possible.