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By Sam Stevenson
Associate News Editor
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Activist groups are planning nationwide "No Kings" protests and concert-style events on June 14, directly counterprogramming President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and the administration’s America 250 celebrations, with actor and activist Jane Fonda set to host a flagship concert event in New York City.
Organizers say the events will focus on music, civic action and community gatherings tied to First Amendment themes, while critics of Trump frame the day as a rejection of what they describe as "strongman politics." "No Kings" is a grassroots network focused on civic action and First Amendment freedoms, with local events expected across the country.
The competing events highlight growing political polarization around national identity, public symbolism and patriotic celebration ahead of the country’s 250th anniversary.
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In response to the protests, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told Newsweek in an emailed statement: “The only people who care about these Trump Derangement Therapy Sessions are the reporters who are paid to cover them.”
Key Takeaways
- "No Kings" organizers are planning events across the country on June 14, the day of Trump’s 80th birthday
- The flagship “Rise Up, Sing Out” concert is set to take place the same day as a massive "UFC Freedom 250" event held directly on the White House South Lawn, creating a stark contrast between the two high-profile gatherings.
- A national concert-style event, "Rise Up, Sing Out," will anchor activities with watch parties
- Several high-profile public figures and entertainers are listed as participants
- Organizers say events will focus on nonviolent participation
- The plans come amid wider attention on competing America 250 celebrations and performer lineups
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Celebrities Involved in 'Rise Up, Sing Out'
Promotional material tied to "Rise Up, Sing Out" lists several public figures and entertainers expected to participate, including:
- Rufus Wainwright
- Bette Midler
- Patti Smith
- Sasha Allen
- Joy Reid
- Jane Fonda
- Julia Roberts
- Lily Gladstone
The lineup blends musicians, media figures and actors, reflecting the event’s mix of performance and civic messaging.
Organizers say the concert will be held at The Town Hall in New York and livestreamed nationwide, alongside local watch parties across the country.
A Decentralized Protest Model
Rather than centering activity in a single city, organizers are encouraging local groups to host community-led events tied to the broader national broadcast.
Demonstrations are expected to include performances, organizing efforts, art installations and civic engagement activities tailored to local communities.
Protest organizers say the decentralized approach is intended to make participation more accessible while emphasizing community-building over spectacle.
Fonda has framed the event as a defense of free speech and democratic values, telling Reuters it reflects a moment when “history is going to write about this” and urging people to take action rather than remain on the sidelines.
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Competing America 250 Events Intensify Political Divide
June 14 falls on both Flag Day and Trump’s 80th birthday, placing the demonstrations alongside administration-backed America 250 programming and a planned White House celebration.
Protest organizers say the decentralized approach is intended to make participation more accessible while emphasizing community-building over spectacle.
Several artists previously associated with the Trump-linked "Freedom 250” concert series have since distanced themselves from the effort, citing concerns about political framing.
Artists including Young MC, The Commodores and Martina McBride publicly stepped away from the event. McBride said she believed the programming would be "nonpartisan" before concluding that was "not what is happening," while Bret Michaels said the event had become "much more divisive" than expected.
McBride said she was told it would be "nonpartisan" but later felt that was "not what is happening," while Bret Michaels cited the event becoming "much more divisive" than expected in explaining his withdrawal.
As June 14 approaches, performer rosters and participation across competing anniversary events remain fluid.
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