On the Ground Report: Federal Impacts in North Dakota
By: Prairie Action North Dakota Institute
October 24, 2025
North Dakotans Say “No Kings”
Thousands across North Dakota joined a nationwide call for democracy, accountability, and freedom from authoritarian power.
What Happened
On October 18, 2025, people gathered in at least 11 cities, including Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, Jamestown, Bottineau, Devils Lake, and Medora, for the latest round of No Kings rallies.
Thousands rallied in Fargo, filling the area around City Hall in what organizers called one of the largest demonstrations in recent local history.
Bismarck’s fifth protest drew its biggest crowd yet, spilling out across the Capitol lawn.
Around 850 people in Greater Grand Forks joined their city’s second “No Kings” event.
In Minot and Jamestown, first-time participants spoke about wanting to “show the country that democracy lives here too.”
Organizers emphasized that the movement is peaceful and nonpartisan, a united call to defend democratic values.
Why People Rallied
The protests carried a wide range of messages, all tied together by a rejection of “king-like” leadership.
Protect Democracy
Participants said they fear unchecked executive power and attacks on democratic institutions.
Defend Healthcare
Protesters pointed to federal budget fights that threaten Medicaid, Medicare, and ACA subsidies, calling access to care “a basic freedom every North Dakotan deserves.”
Support Workers and Farmers
Speakers in Bismarck and Jamestown highlighted the impact of trade and tariff policies on small producers. “Farmers shouldn’t pay the price for Washington’s chaos,” said one organizer.
Stand for Freedom and Equality
Rallygoers voiced support for immigrant and LGBTQ rights and for reproductive freedom, arguing that freedom only exists when it applies to everyone.
Why It Matters for North Dakota
Grassroots Energy Everywhere
From Fargo’s city streets to Bottineau’s courthouse lawn, the rallies proved that civic engagement isn’t limited to major cities. Small towns showed up in force.
A Growing Civic Shift
Many attendees said this was their first protest ever. Teachers, parents, and veterans marched together, turning concern into visible action.
National Issues, Local Impacts
Protest signs linked the federal government shutdown, healthcare cuts, and trade uncertainty directly to the struggles of North Dakotans, especially families, farmers, and rural clinics.
Patriotism, Not Partisanship
Across cities, chants of “I love America” echoed through the crowds, a reminder that love of country and defense of democracy can go hand-in-hand.
What It Signals
Political Engagement in a Traditionally Red State
Thousands turning out in North Dakota, a state that rarely sees large demonstrations, shows a notable shift in how residents are expressing political voice.
Accountability Over Ideology
Many participants said they voted across party lines before but are now “less focused on politics, more focused on principle.”
Democracy as a Community Value
The rallies drew church leaders, veterans, students, and business owners, people rarely in the same protest space, united under the idea that no leader is above the law.
What’s Next
More Rallies Planned 🗓️
Organizers in Bismarck and Fargo announced plans for future events during the special state legislative session and before the 2026 midterms.
Watch These Issues & Contact Congressional Delegates About...
Health Care Funding: Rising insurance premiums and federal subsidy expirations.
SNAP & Medicaid Cuts: These are programs thousands of ND families rely on.
Agriculture Policy: Tariffs and trade tensions are hurting local producers.
Civil Liberties & Immigration: Concerns about ICE enforcement and due process.
Environment & public lands: As Interior Secretary Doug Burgum pushes expanded drilling and loosens land protections, North Dakotans should watch how these federal moves affect farming, recreation, and climate resilience.
Take Action
Learn More: NoKings.org
Stay Connected: prairieactionnd.org and
sign up for the Prairie Briefing
Keep Showing Up:
Get involved with local organizations working year-round to strengthen our democracy and care for North Dakotans, like the ND AFL-CIO, ACLU of North Dakota, ND Human Rights Coalition, Indivisible ND, or the League of Women Voters of North Dakota.
Tend to Your Community:
Donate to your local shelters, food pantries, and mutual aid groups. Check in on your neighbors. Support union workers, small farms, and nonprofits that keep our state strong.
Raise Your Voice:
Sign up for North Dakota Megaphone at https://www.prairieactionnd.org/megaphone to share with others what democracy and decency mean to you.
Democracy belongs to all of us, not to kings.
