No Kings protest against Trump

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Sophie Clark

By Sophie Clark

Live News Reporter

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The "No Kings" protest against President Donald Trump and his administration is set to be the largest nationwide mobilization since Trump took office, according to organizers.

There are 1,800 protests planned across the country for June 14, with millions expected to attend.

The protests have been organized to coincide with Trump's birthday and the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army, which the administration plans to commemorate with a tank parade through Washington, D.C.

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Newsweek has contacted the No Kings team for comment via email.

No Kings protest against Trump

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Why It Matters

Since Trump returned to office in January, there have been nationwide protests—such as the "Hands Off" demonstrations and weekly Tesla Takedown events. However, this weekend is set to see the largest gathering of anti-Trump action since his inauguration.

If the number of protesters increase as expected, it could indicate growing resentment against the administration's policies, including the president's deployment of National Guard troops in response to anti-immigration enforcement protests in Los Angeles.

What To Know

According to organizers, the No Kings protests are being held to stand up against "authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics, and the militarization of our democracy."

A May 6 news release from the grassroots nonprofit Indivisible said "a coalition of pro-democracy partner organizations" was behind the "NO KINGS Nationwide Day of Defiance on Flag Day." The partner organizations include 50501 (50 protests, 50 states, one movement) and other organizations behind previous mobilization efforts.

Organizers have said regarding the protests: "All No Kings events adhere to a shared commitment to nonviolent protest and community safety. Organizers are trained in de-escalation and are working closely with local partners to ensure peaceful and powerful actions nationwide."

No kings protest locations

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On the same day, a full military parade is scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C.—with 6,700 troops, 28 tanks and 50 military aircraft. The event is meant to celebrate the Army's 250th birthday, which happens to be the same day as Trump's.

In his first term, Trump pushed for a similar military parade after seeing France's Bastille Day event but was thwarted. It is unconfirmed whether the president personally ordered the parade, which has been planned with relatively short notice, to coincide with his 79th birthday.

The parade is expected to cost $45 million in taxpayer money, including $16 million in road repairs for Washington, D.C., as the city's roads are not built to hold tanks.

The president has warned those planning to protest the event that any disrupters will "be met with heavy force."

Recently, Trump sent 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles in response to protests that began on June 6 following a series of Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. The anti-ICE protests have since spread to other cities.

Los Angeles ICE protests

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What People Are Saying

The No Kings website said: "On June 14—Flag Day—President Trump wants tanks in the street and a made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday. A spectacle meant to look like strength. But real power isn't staged in Washington. It rises up everywhere else.

"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. We're not gathering to feed his ego. We're building a movement that leaves him behind."

President Donald Trump said in a video posted on Truth Social on June 5: "We're honoring the 250th anniversary of the greatest fighting force in history, the United States Army. We will celebrate a spectacular military parade in Washington, D.C., like no other.

"For two and a half centuries, the men and women of America's army have dominated our enemies and protected our freedom at home. This parade salutes our soldiers' remarkable strength and unbeatable spirit. You won't want to miss it! Just don't miss this one. It's gonna be good."

What Happens Next

Millions of people are expected to turn out this weekend to protest the administration. Regarding the anti-ICE protests, the president has said he may deploy the National Guard to other cities experiencing similar unrest.

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