Activists are intensifying their efforts against President Donald Trump’s upcoming military parade, which will coincide with the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary.
Organized under the “No Kings” movement, these protests aim to shift the day’s focus and highlight the perceived authoritarian motivations behind the parade.
As tensions rise, the country prepares for what could be a significant showdown between protestors and supporters.
As Washington, D.C., prepares to host a grand military parade celebrating the U.S. Army, an extensive network of 1,500 demonstrations will unfold across the nation.
Supported by groups like the American Federation of Teachers and Public Citizen, the “No Kings is a nationwide day of defiance.”
“From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, we’re taking action to reject authoritarianism—and show the world what democracy really looks like,” the group stated.
Cities such as New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and many others will host these protests, aiming to rival the parade’s attention and turnout.
In a direct response to President Trump, the “No Kings Day” initiative seeks to assert a rejection of strongman politics and corruption.
“Instead of allowing this birthday parade to be the center of gravity, we will make action everywhere else the story of America that day: people coming together in communities across the country to reject strongman politics and corruption,” the movement wrote.
“On June 14th, we’re showing up everywhere [Trump] isn’t—to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings,” it said.
Notably absent from the protest roster is Washington, D.C., where the parade will occur.
Instead, D.C. residents are invited to head to nearby states or attend local alternatives like DC Joy Day in Anacostia Park.
The choice to concentrate demonstrations outside the nation’s capital underscores the strategy of spreading the message of defiance along with a broader geographic reach.
On the flip side, President Trump has made it clear that the administration will not tolerate any disruption of the military honors.
He warned potential protesters, stating they would “be met with very big force.”
“And I haven’t even heard about a protest, but you know, this is people that hate our country, but they will be met with very heavy force,” he continued.
The protests coincide with heightened tension surrounding recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Los Angeles.
Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom opposes President Trump’s order to deploy the National Guard, thrusting Los Angeles into a politically charged spotlight.
As June 14th approaches, all eyes will be on how these nationwide protests will escalate or mitigate the situation.
