BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Thousands of Lehigh Valley residents gathered Saturday in parks, plazas and along busy intersections as part of nationwide “No Kings” protests denouncing President Donald Trump and his administration’s policies.
The coordinated demonstrations — numbering more than 2,000 nationwide — spanned several Lehigh Valley communities, including Bethlehem Township, Salisbury Township, Easton and Bethlehem’s Rose Garden.
In Bethlehem, more than 6,000 protestors marched from the Rose Garden through North Bethlehem, moving up West Broad and Main streets before gathering at Payrow Plaza outside City Hall. Police directed traffic throughout the march was peaceful.
Thousands gather at Payrow Plaza for “No Kings” day march in Bethlehem, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 (Robbie Churetta for Lehigh Daily)
Chants of “Show me what democracy looks like — this is what democracy looks like” and “No justice, no peace” echoed through the crowd as participants waved American flags and homemade signs condemning authoritarianism and calling for accountability.
“I’m with my family — my mom, friends, kids, husband — and we don’t like what’s going on,” said Erin Moore of Bethlehem. “We’d like to see some changes. I hope this administration gets held accountable for the crimes they’ve been committing.”
Leo Atkinson, a member of the steering committee for the Lehigh Valley Democratic Socialists of America, said his group joined to support the national movement and hand out information on local organizing efforts.
A man holds a sign reading “Democracy Not Oligarchy” at Payrow Plaza for “No Kings” day march in Bethlehem, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 (Robbie Churetta for Lehigh Daily)
“We need to be fighting for democracy in this country, fighting for the rights of working people and marginalized groups,” Atkinson said. “I hope politicians see how many people come out and understand that people are ready for some change.”
Toni Fernandez, a South Side Bethlehem resident and volunteer with the Bethlehem City Democratic Committee, said she came to speak out against policies she feels have hurt working families.
“The tariffs are hurting people, grocery prices are hurting people,” Fernandez said. “Everyone that I know — middle class, lower class, even upper class — they’re all struggling right now, and silence is condoning what they’re doing. So we can’t be silenced.”
The Lehigh Valley protest was organized by Indivisible Lehigh Valley, led by Brooke, who said the movement’s goal is to defend democratic values and mobilize voters.
“We’re at a pivotal point right now,” she said. “If we don’t start being able to rein some of this back in, we’re going from being a liberal democracy to an illiberal democracy right before our eyes.”
Josh Siegel, Democratic candidate for Lehigh County Executive, attended and said he joined as both an elected official and a citizen.
Rep. Josh Siegel speaks to the crowd at the Rose Garden in Bethlehem, Pa, ahead of the “No Kings” day march in Bethlehem, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 (Jai Smith/Lehigh Daily)
“I think as an elected official — but most importantly, just an American — everybody needs to show up in these moments and stand in solidarity,” Siegel said. “Most folks in this country agree on the issues. We’ll reflect that at the ballot box, which is how we hold power accountable.”
In Bethlehem Township, another crowd of roughly 500 to 600 people gathered for speeches and songs. Protesters there said they were motivated by fears for the country’s direction and the erosion of civil rights.
Around 500-600 demonstrators gather in Freemansburg, PA for the No Kings protest Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 (Photo by: Cassandra Reyes/Lehigh Daily)
“I work in education, and I think about the world my students are going into every single day,” said one teacher, who declined to share her name. “The world we’re setting up for them is the one they’ll have to live in, and we can’t stay silent about that.”
Saturday’s “No Kings” rallies followed a similar wave of demonstrations held in June, reflecting what organizers describe as a growing grassroots effort to push back against authoritarianism, defend voting rights and demand protections for immigrants and access to healthcare.
“We’re still at it again today,” Moore said, smiling as her young children waved handmade signs. “Because democracy only works if we do.”
Jai Smith contributed to this report.