OCTOBER 28, 2025
CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS – “No Kings”
Democracy Matters activists joined the more than 7 million Americans on October 18th to protest Trump’s authoritarian war on America. Peaceful “No Kings” rallies and marches took place in all 50 states and in nearly 3,000 cities, towns and villages., and on DM college campuses.
Gwen Dominguez led UAlbany’s chapter of Democracy Matters to: “resist tyranny and defend our democracy. At the rally, so many older community members stopped to thank us as the younger generation for joining them, and then urged us to keep fighting. It was so empowering to make our voices heard and stand together as a community.”
R.J. Doroshewitz‘s DM chapter collaborated with other campus clubs to tuen out hundreds of George Washington University students for the march: “No Kings” was just incredible! I’ve never seen this kind of energy – it dispels the notion that we’re helpless to change what‘s happening in our country. Hundreds of thousands of people in DC, stretched shoulder to shoulder, block after block.”
Ava Moleta, representing SUNY New Paltz Democracy Matters, addressed the 5,000 people gathered at Kingston NY’s rally and march: “I was so happy that I could speak on behalf of my generation and share our contributions against the authoritarian actions of Donald Trump. I truly felt part of a movement driven by the power of people – old and young together – to make real change.
VOTE NOVEMBER 4
Since September, DM chapters have tabled, organized discussions and used social media to urge everyone to vote this November. Student turnout has also been strengthened by DM’s voter registration and “bring a friend to vote” campaigns.
In addition, election-day reminders and transportation to off-campus polling stations are effective in boosting turnout. And in “Post-election Debriefing” discussions organized by DM, students will explore the implications of races in CA, NJ, VA and more for the 2026 Congressional elections.
QUOTES OF THE MONTH
“I told Pete [Hegseth] we should use some of these dangerous cities as training grounds for our military National Guard.” President Donald Trump on putting armed troops in American cities.
”It’s yet another unwarranted, unwanted and unjust move straight out of the authoritarian’s playbook that will only undermine our military’s readiness.” Senator Tammy Duckworth re: troops in cities.
IDEA OF THE MONTH - A Thanksgiving Dialogue
November is for thanksgiving! As we gather with family and friends, we should take advantage of the opportunity that the holidays bring for us to talk about why democracy matters and why DM is important to us. Without picking fights, let’s explain how we are trying to create a just and inclusive American democracy. And we’ll give thanks those who listen to our dreams with open hearts and minds.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Justice on My Mind
Calling the “No Kings” October protests a “fantastic political success,” Mandle poses the question of what comes next.” He argues that a broad coalition, handing defeat to Trump’s MAGA enablers in Congress in the 2026 election, is not only feasible, but necessary in order to save the country from authoritarianism. The continuing courage and determination of millions of Americans will be needed to counter Trump’s agenda of voter intimation and violence.
FACTS YOU CAN USE – This Is NOT What Democracy Looks Like
The destruction of the East Wing of the White House to make way for Trump’s massive $300 million ballroom is one more appalling example of how big corporations and the ultra-rich curry political favor and economic power. Trump has personally solicited and received funding for his “Golden Ballroom” from billionaires Tyler and Cameron Winklevoss, the co-founders of the cryptocurrency exchange, Gemini. Corporations like Apple, Amazon, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Google, Comcast and Meta are also major donors.
Acting unilaterally in destroying the East Wing, Trump has dismissed the criticisms of architects and historians and ignored the National Capital Planning Commission, the agency with jurisdiction over federal buildings.