Austin, October 9, 2025
News Summary
In a recent media roundtable, President Trump raised concerns over a local city council decision regarding the waiver of fees for the upcoming ‘No Kings Day 2’ protest in Austin. The proposed waiver, amounting to over $120,000, was withdrawn from the agenda. Trump insinuated bias against conservative rallies, connecting local issues to broader election integrity claims. Meanwhile, Governor Abbott has placed the Texas National Guard on standby in light of anticipated protests. The Austin Police Department is preparing for the event, ensuring public safety while supporting the right to protest peacefully.
Austin – A media roundtable with President Donald Trump on Wednesday sparked controversy when he raised a question about a local Austin City Council item related to a planned protest. The session shed light on a specific fee waiver for the “No Kings Day 2” protest, organized for October 18, which was previously withdrawn from the agenda and is not expected to be revisited.
The proposed measure would have waived over $120,000 in city fees associated with the protest, set to march from the Texas Capitol to Auditorium Shores. Of this amount, approximately $80,000 was earmarked to cover police patrol services by the Austin Police Department. Trump’s comments came despite his apparent unawareness of the council’s actions regarding the fee waiver.
During the media roundtable, Trump insinuated that the city would not grant fee waivers for conservative rallies, suggesting a bias against Republican events. He connected this local issue to broader election integrity concerns, alleging that “elections are totally rigged in so many of these places,” despite approximately 29% of voters in Travis County supporting him in the 2024 election.
Adding to the tense atmosphere, Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Texas National Guard is on standby due to anticipated protests in Austin. The “No Kings” protest coincides nationally with Trump’s birthday and a military parade in Washington D.C., and is expected to feature performances and art that reflect opposition to the Trump administration’s policies.
Earlier in the week, local and state police dealt with a violent protest that resulted in arrests and injuries to several officers. In preparation for the upcoming demonstrations, the Austin Police Department has stated that it will be fully staffed and prepared to ensure public safety, emphasizing their support for peaceful protests.
City Mayor Kirk Watson has condemned the violent actions seen during previous protests while affirming the right to protest peacefully. The grassroots group 50501, known for organizing prior peaceful demonstrations, is leading the upcoming “No Kings” event, expected to draw significant attention. Additionally, protests are planned in other Central Texas cities, including Pflugerville, Lockhart, Bastrop, and Taylor.
The Austin Police Department has made it clear that they will take necessary actions to address any illegal activities that threaten public safety during these protests, reinforcing their commitment to maintaining order while respecting the right to assemble.
Overview of Protests and City Council Decisions
- Protest Name: “No Kings Day 2”
- Scheduled Date: October 18
- Route: March from Texas Capitol to Auditorium Shores
- Proposed Fee Waiver: $120,000
- Police Fee Allocation: $80,000
- Governor’s Response: Texas National Guard on standby
- Other Protests: Scheduled in Pflugerville, Lockhart, Bastrop, and Taylor
Recent Events Leading Up to the Protests
Local police faced a violent protest earlier resulting in injuries and arrests, highlighting the charged atmosphere leading into the upcoming demonstrations. The Austin Police Department assured residents of their readiness to protect public safety while supporting peaceful protests.
Background on Protests and Local Governance
The grassroots organization 50501 has taken the lead on protests in the area, aiming to express dissent against current political administration policies. Meanwhile, Mayor Kirk Watson has publicly condemned violence while advocating for the sanctity of peaceful protest.
FAQ Section
What is the “No Kings Day 2” protest about?
The “No Kings Day 2” protest, scheduled for October 18, is part of a national day of demonstrations coinciding with Trump’s birthday and a military parade in Washington D.C.
What is the city’s response to the protests?
The Austin Police Department will be fully staffed and prepared for the upcoming demonstrations, emphasizing their support for peaceful protests while also stating they will act against any illegal activities that threaten public safety.
How much in city fees was the council proposing to waive for the protest?
The proposed measure would have waived over $120,000 in city fees for the protest.
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Additional Resources
- KVUE News: Trump and Austin City Council Fees
- Wikipedia: Donald Trump
- NY Times: Texas Democrats Protests
- Google Search: Texas Democrats Protests
- El Paso Times: Anti-Trump Protests Nationwide
- Google Scholar: Anti-Trump Protests 2025
- CBS Austin News: Live Coverage No Kings Protest
- Encyclopedia Britannica: No Kings Protest
- Fox 7 Austin: Austin Protest Against Trump Policies
- Google News: Austin Protests 2025
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis 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 SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
