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Protests titled "No Kings Day" are planned across the United States this Saturday (June 14) to coincide with President Donald Trump's military parade in Washington, D.C. The parade, marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, will also celebrate President Trump's 79th birthday and Flag Day. The event is expected to feature over 7,000 uniformed soldiers, tanks, military vehicles, and a fireworks display, costing up to $45 million, according to the U.S. Army.
In response, over 1,800 demonstrations are scheduled nationwide, organized by the 50501 Movement and other progressive groups like Indivisible and MoveOn. The protests aim to oppose what they see as President Trump's "power grab" and authoritarianism. Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, stated, "In America, we don’t do kings," emphasizing the protests as a stand for democracy and against perceived corruption in the government.
The largest protest is planned for Philadelphia, with significant gatherings expected in cities such as Chicago, New York, and Houston. Organizers intentionally avoided protests in Washington to shift focus away from the parade and prevent narratives of being anti-veteran. Veterans are encouraged to participate, highlighting their commitment to defending democratic values.
President Trump warned that protesters at the parade would face "very big force," a statement that has drawn criticism from various groups. The protests also follow recent tensions over the administration's use of military force in Los Angeles during immigration protests.