No Kings Protests Planned in Response to Trump’s Military Parade
Demonstrations set to coincide with the former president’s birthday and the Army’s anniversary.
Protests are planned across the country to coincide with a military parade and former President Trump’s birthday this weekend, according to organizers.
2025-06-14 11:31:00
Time.news Staff
Are you ready for some fireworks? Not the kind you’re thinking of, though. About 2,000 “No Kings” protests are scheduled for Saturday in response to the Trump administration’s planned large-scale military parade. Organizers are calling it a show of dominance and a celebration of the former president’s 79th birthday, which also falls on Saturday.
- Approximately 2,000 “No Kings” protests are planned for Saturday.
- The protests are in response to a military parade planned by the Trump administration.
- The parade commemorates the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and Trump’s birthday.
- Protests are scheduled in every state, except Washington, D.C.
- Organizers describe the protests as a “day of defiance.”
What are the “No Kings” protests about? The protests, organized by a coalition of over 200 organizations, are a direct response to the Trump administration’s plans for a military parade, viewed by organizers as a display of power coinciding with the former president’s birthday and the Army’s 250th anniversary.
A Parade of Criticism
The Army has been planning an anniversary celebration for over a year. However, the addition of a military parade is recent. The event will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and coincides with Flag Day. Such parades are rare in the U.S., and Trump’s political rivals have criticized the move.
“No Kings” organizers describe the protests as a “day of defiance…to reject authoritarianism—and show the world what democracy really looks like” on their website. “We’re showing up everywhere he isn’t—to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings,” the statement continues.
On Thursday, when asked about the protests, Trump responded, “I don’t feel like a king. I have to go through hell to get stuff approved.”
Where the Protests Will Take Place
The demonstrations are organized by a coalition of over 200 organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, American Federation of Teachers, and the Communications Workers of America. Protests are planned in every state, but not in Washington, D.C. Instead, organizers are encouraging D.C. residents to gather in Philadelphia—the flagship “No Kings” protest. Philadelphia was America’s first capital and the birthplace of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.
The “No Kings” protests began after Trump’s inauguration in February. They have also gathered to protest the Trump administration’s actions on immigration and cuts to the federal workforce. According to the organizers’ website, protesters are avoiding the nation’s capital “to draw a clear contrast between our people-powered movement and the costly, wasteful, and un-American birthday parade in Washington.”
Parade Details and Controversy
The military parade is estimated to cost between $25 and $45 million and will involve 6,000 Army soldiers, 49 aircraft, 128 vehicles, and 25 horses. Trump initially wanted to hold the parade during his first term, but it was scrapped due to cost. He was inspired after attending the annual Bastille Day parade in France in 2017.
In a document with guidance for participants and organizers, “No Kings” emphasized that participants should practice nonviolence and de-escalate any conflicts with outside parties. Trump said Tuesday, “By the way, for those people that want to protest, they’re going to 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.”
Understanding teh “No Kings” Protests
The “No Kings” protests are planned in response to a military parade. These demonstrations coincide with the former president’s birthday, marking the U.S. Army’s anniversary too.
Core Explainer: What are the “No Kings” Protests?
The “No Kings” protests represent a nationwide movement. They are organized to oppose a planned military parade and to voice dissent against perceived authoritarian tendencies. This is happening in response to an event that the organizers view as a demonstration of power. The protests align with the former president’s birthday and the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary.
Background and Goals of the Protests
These protests stem from a coalition of over 200 organizations. Their primary aim is to reject what they view as a show of force. The protests strive to highlight democracy,with organizers describing these events as a “day of defiance.” The primary driver behind these demonstrations is the planned military parade, which they see as a symbol of potential authoritarianism.
The “No Kings” protests are a direct response to the Trump management’s planned military parade. Organizers view the parade as a display of power, that is connected to the former president’s birthday and the Army’s anniversary.
where and When the Protests Will Take Place
Protests are scheduled across every state, excluding Washington, D.C.
Participants are encouraged to gather in Philadelphia, the first U.S. capital.Protests are nonviolent and are scheduled for Saturday. The planned protests are intended to counter both the military parade and the former president’s birthday festivity.
Key Motivations and Criticisms
The protests have been critiqued by some, while organizers stress nonviolence and promote civic engagement.
The movement’s aim is to underscore democratic values. This is achieved through peaceful demonstrations across the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of the “No Kings” protests?
The primary goal is to oppose the military parade and advocate for democratic values.
Who is organizing these protests?
A coalition of over 200 organizations.
Where are the protests being held?
Protests are planned in every state, except washington, D.C.
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