No Kings Coalition Faces Instagram Suspension Amid Nationwide Early Voting Events

Leaders of the ‘No Kings’ coalition reported that the main Instagram account was suspended for approximately 90 minutes on Saturday. During this time, nearly 3,000 events were being held nationwide to promote early voting ahead of the November midterm elections.

After the account became public again, organizers experienced further access issues with the backend for around four hours. This hindered their ability to post or communicate with their network. A representative from ‘No Kings’ told Newsweek via email that the suspension deprived the movement of a crucial platform just as communities were engaging in joyful and nonviolent mobilization. They claimed Meta was still actively depriving access at a critical moment.

The coalition labeled the suspension as ‘unjustified.’ Meta acknowledged that access was disabled due to an error caused by an automated action. Meta spokesperson Andy Stone explained on X that high-frequency activities can trigger automated systems, which mistakenly affected the No Kings Instagram account. He apologized and confirmed that everything was now functioning correctly.

Background on ‘No Kings’

The ‘No Kings’ movement is a nationwide protest and organizing coalition opposing the return of former President Trump to the White House in 2025. Opponents felt Trump’s actions contradicted the United States’ founding principles. The movement’s first significant protest occurred on June 14, 2025, coinciding with a military parade to commemorate the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary.

Protestors displayed signs criticizing Trump administration policies, such as mass deportations, and used artwork depicting crowns crossed out. While the messaging primarily focused on Trump, Indivisible—the group behind ‘No Kings’—emphasized that political power should remain with the people, not in the hands of Washington D.C. leaders.

A spokesperson from ‘No Kings’ described October 17 events as celebrations, orientations, and activations aimed at encouraging mass early voting. The goal is to build capacity to counter any efforts undermining elections through peaceful, people-powered actions.

‘No Kings’ Events Nationwide

Organizers informed Newsweek of nearly 3,000 ‘No Kings: Vote Early’ events across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. These events served as nonpartisan voter participation efforts, urging eligible voters to prepare voting plans and cast ballots before the November 3 midterms.

Activities included rallies, marches, voter information drives, and organized trips to polling places. In Washington, D.C., demonstrators assembled near the Lincoln Memorial with signs reading ‘VOTE EARLY’ and ‘HANDS OFF MY VOTE!’ Approximately a few hundred people gathered, according to The Associated Press. In Atlanta, City Council member Michael Julian Bond motivated participants to exercise their democratic power through voting.

‘The Constitution gives you one power, right? That is the power to vote. Are you gonna use that power?’ Bond urged. ‘Be a superhero, use your power. Go to the polls and vote.’

In Dallas, Teresa Cox from the Texas Organizing Project encouraged demonstrators to research candidates and issues to make informed voting decisions as early voting commenced in Texas. She emphasized that voting is a crucial way to engage in democracy.

Senator Adam Schiff voiced support on X, reaffirming the founding vision to resist despotic rule and urged early voting to have voices heard.

The White House reacted to the ‘No Kings’ events through spokeswoman Lauren Bis, suggesting a name change for the group. She argued the discourse on voting illustrates the option between Trump’s commonsense policies and radical socialist proposals from Democrats.

Meta’s Engagements with Trump

The dispute between ‘No Kings’ and Meta comes amid increased interactions between Meta, led by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and Trump’s administration. Meta settled Trump’s lawsuit in 2025, related to the suspension of his accounts post-January 6 Capitol riot, by agreeing to a $25 million payment. Though no wrongdoing admission was made, $22 million of this amount went towards Trump’s future presidential library.

Zuckerberg’s involvement with Trump included donating to the inaugural fund, attending his inauguration, and participating in discussions on technology policy. It was reported that Zuckerberg contributed to an AI initiative with the White House.

Guidance on Early Voting for Midterm Elections

Early voting has begun in several states, especially crucial battlegrounds like Georgia and Texas, with Georgia experiencing record levels of participant turnout. Voters can head to designated locations at election offices or temporary voting centers, or opt for mail or absentee ballots according to state laws.

Early voting procedures mirror those on Election Day, from ballot receipt to submission. However, not all states offer early voting, with Alabama, Mississippi, and New Hampshire primarily granting absentee ballots under specific conditions.