‘No Kings’ protests draw thousands of Mainers opposed to Trump policies
Thousands of Mainers gathered in towns and cities across the state on Saturday to protest actions and policies of the Trump administration that organizers say threaten democracy. In Portland, Augusta, Auburn, and other communities, protesters at the “No Kings” rallies carried signs, rang cowbells, and led chants.
These events were among more than 2,600 protests planned nationwide on Saturday. They occurred amid a government shutdown that has closed federal programs and services, contributing to heightened political tensions.
Elizabeth Leonard, organizer of the “No Kings” protest in Waterville, addressed hundreds of attendees, urging nonviolent participation as they kicked off one of the state’s first events that day. Leonard expressed concern over a rise in authoritarianism in America. “They’re destroying everything, and we’re determined to save it,” she said.
Participants in Waterville marched to Veteran’s Memorial Park while beating drums, waving American flags, and blowing horns.
Jacob Madley, a student at Colby College, said he typically isn’t “a protest kind of guy” but attended to speak out against the federal government. He recounted witnessing people being forcibly removed by immigration authorities in his hometown of Los Angeles. “Legal workers, U.S. citizens, it doesn’t matter. They’re taking them all,” Madley said. “It’s very scary and it’s unacceptable.”
The protests built on demonstrations held in June, which coincided with a military parade in Washington, D.C., and President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.
Ezra Levin, a leading national organizer of Saturday’s protests and co-executive director of the nonprofit Indivisible, told the Associated Press that the latest demonstrations are a response to Trump’s “crackdown on First Amendment rights.” Levin highlighted several concerns, including the administration’s sweeping immigration crackdown, its unprecedented promises to use federal power to influence the 2026 midterm elections, efforts to restrict press freedom, and pledges of retribution against political opponents.
National Republican leaders, however, dismissed Saturday’s rallies as extremist, with some referring to the events as “hate America” protests.
### Protests Largely Peaceful in Maine
Saturday’s protests in Maine appeared mostly peaceful. However, police were seen handcuffing a man counterprotesting on Augusta’s Memorial Bridge just before 2 p.m. Witnesses reported that the man told officers he possessed a “non-lethal gun,” and police said he was being detained. The crowd lining both sides of the bridge cheered as he was led to a police vehicle. Police also closed the bridge to traffic during the incident.
The man was later seen back on the bridge, yelling, “They didn’t arrest me.” Augusta police did not respond to requests for further information Saturday afternoon.
In Portland, police reported no problems arising from the protest, while Auburn police said they encountered few issues aside from expected traffic disruptions. Organizers estimated the Auburn crowd at around 3,000 people, who gathered on Longley Bridge and in Great Falls Plaza.
Pat Fogg, an organizer in the Auburn area—a region with many Republican residents—said people are beginning to rethink their support for President Trump as they witness the effects of his policies. Fogg cited immigration actions as a particular concern.
The administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration has led to increased detentions and deportations. Critics have voiced concerns about the negative impact on communities and the economy, as well as potential legal issues.
“Some people are losing so much,” Fogg said. “I hate seeing people beaten on the street, being pulled off the street, a lot of them citizens, a lot of them innocent.”
Several attendees at the Auburn protest and other events dressed as frogs and other animals. Across the country, protesters wore animal costumes to support a Portland, Oregon protester who was pepper-sprayed by federal agents at an ICE protest earlier this month while wearing a frog costume.
### Portland Protest Draws Thousands
Protests were planned for more than three dozen communities across Maine on Saturday. By 1:30 p.m., a massive crowd had gathered in Deering Oaks Park in Portland to listen to speeches and live music from anti-Trump speakers and organizations.
“I think people are fired up and inspired to be here in solidarity for a shared purpose, with shared values,” organizer Marie Follayttar said. “We’re claiming our space.”
Follayttar estimated that close to 6,000 people attended the Portland protest. Over nearly two hours, she said she heard nothing but hope from the crowd.
“I’ve heard gratitude,” she said. “I’ve heard that the speakers have been inspiring, and a lot of people want to join in.”
Follayttar also heard stories of pain and fear. “People are worried about the impact of Trump’s actions around the country,” she said. “But there is also joy. It’s a community event.”
Susan Roberts of Portland attended the protest with three friends. She said she felt compelled to participate. “There are too many people in power doing wrong things,” Roberts said.
Naomi Lynch and her sister, Signe Lynch, also from Portland, said the protest was personal for them because they work with underserved populations, including the homeless.
“It’s completely common sense that all Americans should have access to health care,” Naomi Lynch said. “But we have a dictator running our country. If you’re not outraged, you’re not paying attention.”
### Gov. Mills Speaks to Crowd in Auburn
Governor Janet Mills was among the attendees at the Auburn rally and spoke to the crowd at Great Falls Plaza. Mills, who recently announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate, thanked the crowd for taking action and expressed optimism about their cause.
“We’re going to get through this thing,” she said. “We are going to turn Congress around.”
Marlis Whittier, who also attended the Auburn protest, expressed appreciation for being among others who recognize the country’s dangers and are willing to act.
“I’m glad to be where people have some sense,” she said.
In Portland, as protesters departed late Saturday afternoon still waving their homemade “No Kings” signs, one woman who wished to remain anonymous shared that she lost her job under the Trump administration. Yet leaving the protest, she felt hopeful.
“I’m feeling connected and joyful,” she said.
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**Staff Writers:** Hannah Kaufmann and Sydney Richelieu
**Editor:** Ben Bragdon
**Staff Photographers:** Anna Chadwick and Shawn Patrick Ouellette contributed to this report.
https://www.pressherald.com/2025/10/18/no-kings-protests-draw-thousands-of-mainers-opposed-to-trump-policies/
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