Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets nationwide as part of the nationwide "No Kings" movement and protests are also happening right here in Central Texas.

Thousands of people gathered at the Texas Capitol on Saturday to participate in a “No Kings Day” protest, part of a nationwide movement to push back against policies linked to the Trump administration. Local organizers and representatives, including Democratic Reps. Greg Casar and Lloyd Doggett of Austin, spoke at the Capitol.

Former US Representative Beto O'Rourke spoke at the "No Kings" protest in Austin on Oct. 18, 2025, and spoke with members of the media afterward.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson is pushing back on Gov. Greg Abbott's deployment of the Texas National Guard and state troops to the city in what he calls a move of militarization—confirming troops will not be in the streets unless needed.

Organizers said some 2,600 protests were planned in the U.S. on Saturday. The protests were largely peaceful, as demonstrators united in their stated aim to safeguard the country's democratic values.

Austin's mayor clarified in a statement later Thursday that the troops would not be on the streets unless there was “emergency need.” The post Gov. Abbott activates Texas National Guard ahead of “No Kings” protest in Austin appeared first on The Texas Tribune.

Lone Star State Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, ordered resources to the state capital ahead of what he called "an Antifa-linked protest."

Texas Congressman Greg Casar was at the 'No Kings' protest in Austin, Texas, on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. He says the protest has been peaceful and fun.