Thousands came to the Kansas Statehouse to protest the administration of Donald Trump in the second No Kings protest on Oct. 18.
It was one of 2,500 events nationwide, including at least 20 in Kansas.
In Topeka, thousands came to the Statehouse to hold signs, chant and march through downtown. A smaller protest, which is demonstrated every week on SW 21st and Wanamaker Road, drew about 60 people.
On the south steps of the Kansas Statehouse, musicians performed songs, organizers led chants and elected officials gave speeches.
Local issues included gerrymandering efforts in Kansas
Most of the speakers focused on federal issues, but at times the topics were local. Rep. Alexis Simmons addressed the crowd about ongoing efforts to gerrymander the state to create four safe Republican congressional districts.
“You have so much power,” Simmons said. “The people in this building, they know they’re being watched like a hawk. They know the eyes of the country are on Kansas, and you keep them in office with your vote or you vote them out.”
The rally was broadly against the Trump’s policies in his second term, and signs criticized the president’s immigration policy, tariffs and alleged violations of the U.S. Constitution.
“I wanted to join the rally and make my voice heard, along with all the other voices,” said Elaine Rolfs. “It’s so easy to lose hope, and there’s not a reason yet to lose hope.”
Rep. Alexis Simmons, D-Topeka, spoke during the Oct. 18, 2025, No Kings protest at the Kansas Statehouse.
Other issues included women’s rights
Lucinda Evans said she frequented protests as part of an organization to protect women’s rights.
“When the election came along, we added that to our list of things to do, because it seemed as if our political candidates were against everything we stood for and that has become more true over the last nine months,” Evans said.
Winn Gillum, a volunteer for the 50501 movement, said his family has been going to many of the protests hosted by the 50501 movement, formed in the wake of Trump’s presidency. He said having younger people there helps with the logistics of running a protest and said he hopes that “more people notice what’s going on in the world” due to it.
Multiple people dress in inflatable costumes while protesting at the Kansas Statehouse on Oct. 18, 2025.
Some Kansas protesters donned inflatable animal costumes
The protest saw many participants wearing inflatable animal costumes, taking inspiration from protesters at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Portland, where protesters have dawned similar costumes.
“I thought it was cute and funny and I saw what they were doing up in Portland. I think it’s a really good push back against all of them because it points out how ridiculous they’re being,” said Paul Gillaspie, who was in an inflatable unicorn costume.
The Capital-Journal didn’t see any counter-protesters at the event. Some Republican officials have claimed that protesters at No Kings protests were paid.
“We saw on the news that our Senator Roger Marshall is going around telling people that protesters are paid to be here, and so I thought I’d ask people if they want to sign my little sign here to let him know whether or not they were paid,” said Adina Mayhew. “Not one person has said yes.”
(This story was updated to change or add a photo or video.)
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Topeka, Kansas, sees one of its largest protests of second Trump term
