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Large Crowd Protests at Boston Common Against Trump Policies

Crowd gathered at Boston Common holding flags and signs during a protest

Boston, October 21, 2025

News Summary

Thousands gathered at Boston Common for the ‘No Kings’ protest, expressing discontent with the Trump administration. An estimated 125,000 attendees showcased a mix of historical costumes and political messaging, while speakers emphasized civic engagement and the importance of diversity. Amid a peaceful atmosphere, misinformation about the event’s coverage highlighted the ongoing challenges with social media and verification processes. The rally’s scale and participation symbolize sustained political energy in Boston and beyond.

Boston — Thousands of people gathered at Boston Common on Saturday for the “No Kings” protest, a large and largely peaceful demonstration organized to express disenchantment with the Trump administration. Organizers estimated that around 125,000 people attended the Boston rally, and the event drew broad participation with a mix of historical pageantry and contemporary political messaging.

Key facts and turnout

The rally took place on a sunny day and was described by participants and organizers as peaceful. The crowd included people in 18th-century costumes alongside whimsical outfits like frogs, lobsters, and unicorns, and most participants waved American flags during the protest. Organizers estimated that around 125,000 people attended the Boston rally, marking the gathering as one of the largest demonstrations in recent years.

Across the country, organizers claimed nearly 7 million participated in related protests nationwide.

Speakers, local officials and events

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, along with Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren, spoke at the event, emphasizing historical themes related to the protests. Attorney General Andrea Campbell spoke at the rally, highlighting her office’s fight against actions by the Trump administration and emphasizing the importance of civic engagement. A separate rally occurred on Lexington’s Battle Green, featuring environmental activist Bill McKibben.

During the protests, tensions arose when a few individuals with a megaphone attempted to disrupt Mayor Wu’s speech but were managed by police. Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Kennealy criticized Governor Maura Healey in a social media post during the protests, highlighting perceived failures in her leadership. Massachusetts politicians actively participated and spoke at the event, reinforcing the protest’s significance and historical context.

Misinformation controversy

Claims circulated on social media that a network aired recycled footage from a similar protest in 2017 instead of the live coverage from October 18, 2025. Misinformation spread rapidly online, with some falsely asserting that the footage was old, which first gained traction from an erroneous fact-check by an AI chatbot named Grok. Grok misidentified the clip showing a massive crowd during the live coverage as footage from 2017, which was later confirmed as inaccurate by a verification team.

The verification team matched the footage to live drone shots and local news reports from the protest, asserting its authenticity. Sardarizadeh, a journalist with the verification team, confirmed the crowd footage was from the protest on Saturday. Despite the clarification, misinformation about the footage remained popular on social media, demonstrating how quickly false claims can spread.

On-the-ground details and tone

The protest mixed historical symbolism tied to the region’s past with modern political messaging. The event took place against the backdrop of the 250th anniversaries of historical events like the Boston Tea Party and the battles of Lexington and Concord, and many speakers framed the day’s actions within that longer history. Most participants waved American flags during the protest and organizers emphasized that the event was a collective demonstration against Trump’s policies, with many attendees affirming that Boston continues to support diversity and immigrant rights.

A young woman displayed a unique protest sign that referenced being added via Signal Go and urged people to take action. The gathering also included a wide range of ages and political perspectives, with organizers and law enforcement coordinating to maintain order and route demonstrations through central public spaces.

Why this matters

The size and visibility of the Boston rally, along with parallel actions elsewhere, illustrate sustained political energy and mobilization on both local and national levels. The rapid spread of false claims about coverage of the event highlights ongoing challenges in how social media, AI tools and verification processes interact during major public gatherings.

FAQ

How many people attended the Boston rally?

Organizers estimated that around 125,000 people attended the Boston rally.

How many people participated nationwide?

Across the country, organizers claimed nearly 7 million participated in related protests nationwide.

What was the footage controversy about?

Claims circulated on social media that a network aired recycled footage from a similar protest in 2017 instead of the live coverage from October 18, 2025.

Grok misidentified the clip showing a massive crowd during the live coverage as footage from 2017, which was later confirmed as inaccurate by a verification team.

Who verified the footage?

The verification team matched the footage to live drone shots and local news reports from the protest, asserting its authenticity.

Sardarizadeh, a journalist with the verification team, confirmed the crowd footage was from the protest on Saturday.

Who spoke at the Boston event?

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, along with Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren, spoke at the event, emphasizing historical themes related to the protests.

Attorney General Andrea Campbell spoke at the rally, highlighting her office’s fight against actions by the Trump administration and emphasizing the importance of civic engagement.

Were there any disruptions during the speeches?

During the protests, tensions arose when a few individuals with a megaphone attempted to disrupt Mayor Wu’s speech but were managed by police.

What was the atmosphere and visual style of the protest?

The crowd included people in 18th-century costumes alongside whimsical outfits like frogs, lobsters, and unicorns.

Most participants waved American flags during the protest.

Was there a separate event nearby?

A separate rally occurred on Lexington’s Battle Green, featuring environmental activist Bill McKibben.

Did any political figures react on social media?

Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Kennealy criticized Governor Maura Healey in a social media post during the protests, highlighting perceived failures in her leadership.

Was a distinctive protest sign noted at the event?

A young woman displayed a unique protest sign that referenced being added via Signal Go and urged people to take action.

Quick reference table

Topic Details
Date Saturday, October 18, 2025 (event and live coverage referenced)
Primary location Boston Common, Boston
Local attendance (organizers’ estimate) Organizers estimated that around 125,000 people attended the Boston rally
Nationwide participation (organizers’ claim) Across the country, organizers claimed nearly 7 million participated in related protests nationwide
Notable local speakers Boston Mayor Michelle Wu; Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren; Attorney General Andrea Campbell
Additional rally Lexington’s Battle Green, featuring Bill McKibben
Misinformation issue Grok misidentified live footage as older footage; a verification team matched the footage to live drone shots and local reports
Visual elements 18th-century costumes, frogs, lobsters, unicorns; many American flags
Security incidents A few individuals attempted to disrupt Mayor Wu’s speech with a megaphone and were managed by police

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Massive Peaceful Protest in Boston Met with Misinformation
Massive No Kings Protest Draws 125,000 to Boston
Congressman Seth Moulton Challenges Senator Ed Markey for Senate Seat
Massive Turnout at ‘No Kings’ Rally in Boston
ICE Arrests Over 1,400 Individuals in Massachusetts During Operation Patriot 2.0
Nearly 7 Million Participate in ‘No Kings’ Protests Nationwide
Over 100,000 Attend ‘No Kings’ Rally in Boston
Boston Rally Opposes Trump Administration Policies
Boston Hosts Massive ‘No Kings’ Protest Rally
Thousands Gather for ‘No Kings’ Rally in Boston Common

Additional Resources

STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER

The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.

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