Photos: Americans take to streets in France to protest against President Trump
Hundreds participated in the No Kings 2 protest on October 18
The organisers described the demonstration as the biggest civic mobilisation involving Americans overseas since the first No Kings protest in June (pictured)
Kent Hudson
Hundreds of Americans and supporters gathered in cities across France on Saturday, October 18, as part of the international ‘No Kings 2’ day of demonstrations to perceived threats to democracy in the United States.
The coordinated events - held in Paris, Nice, Toulouse, Lyon and Bordeaux - formed part of a network of more than 2,500 rallies worldwide.
Participants carried placards, umbrellas and banners bearing slogans such as “Defend democracy” and “No kings, no tyrants.”
Paris draws largest crowd
The Paris rally, organised by campaign groups Indivisible Paris and Paris Against Trump, reportedly drew hundreds of participants.
From 15:00 to 17:00, a colourful array of American expatriates visited the Fontaine des Innocents near Les Halles, as French supporters and tourists stopped to lend their support.
The organisers described the demonstration as the biggest civic mobilisation involving Americans overseas since the first No Kings protest in June, which took place at Place de la Bastille.
They estimate that between 700-1,000 people attended the events around France over the full two hours.
Peaceful gatherings in other cities
Smaller but similarly colourful demonstrations were also held elsewhere in France, coordinated by Democrats Abroad, the official international branch of the US Democratic Party.
In Nice, protestors gathered at 16:00 at the Quai des États-Unis, near the replica Statue of Liberty on the Promenade des Anglais.
In Toulouse, around Place Jeanne d’Arc, speeches began shortly after 14:00, while in Lyon, demonstrators assembled on Place Paul Duquaire, beside the Passerelle du Palais de Justice. A modest crowd also came together in Bordeaux, with messages of solidarity shared online by those who did not attend in person.
Global movement
Organisers said the protests aimed to highlight concerns over civil liberties, social programmes and the rule of law in the United States, while encouraging voter participation ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Although the No Kings network takes a critical stance towards the current US administration, participants described the movement as peaceful, inclusive and non-partisan, inviting both Americans and Europeans “to stand together for democratic values”.
