What to know about 'No Kings' protests against Trump's policies on Saturday
Opponents of President Donald Trump's administration are set to rally in hundreds of cities on Saturday during the military parade in Washington for the Army's 250th anniversary — which coincides with Trump's birthday.
The 'No Kings' protests are set to take place to counter what organizers say are Trump's plans to feed his ego on what is also his 79th birthday and Flag Day.
The Army birthday celebration had already been planned. But earlier this spring, Trump announced his intention to ratchet up the event to include 60-ton M1 Abrams battle tanks and Paladin self-propelled howitzers rolling through the city streets. He has long sought a similar display of patriotic force.
Why is it called No Kings?
The 'No Kings' theme was orchestrated by the 50501 Movement, a national movement made up of everyday Americans who stand for democracy and against what they call the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration. The name 50501 stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement.
Protests earlier this year have denounced Trump and billionaire adviser Elon Musk, the now former leader of Trump's Department of Government Efficiency, a government organization designed to slash federal spending. Protesters have called for Trump to be 'dethroned' as they compare his actions to that of a king and not a democratically elected president.
'They've defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights, and slashed our services,' the group says on its website, referring to the Trump administration and its policies. 'They've done this all while continuing to serve and enrich their billionaire allies.'
Why are they protesting on Saturday?
The No Kings Day of Defiance has been organized to reject authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics and the militarization of the country's democracy, according to a press release from No Kings.
It is happening to counter the Army's 250th anniversary celebration — which Trump has ratcheted up to include an expensive, lavish military parade. The event, will feature hundreds of military vehicles and aircraft and thousands of soldiers. It also happens to be his 79th birthday and Flag Day.
'The flag doesn't belong to President Trump. It belongs to us,' the No Kings website says. 'On June 14th, we're showing up everywhere he isn't — to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings.'
Where are the protests?
Protests in nearly 2,000 locations are scheduled around the country, from city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, according to the No Kings website.
No protests are scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., however, where the parade will be held. The group says it will 'make action everywhere else the story of America that day.'
No Kings plans instead to hold a major flagship march and rally in Philadelphia to draw a clear contrast between its people-powered movement and what they describe as the 'costly, wasteful, and un-American birthday parade' in Washington, according to the No Kings website.
What is planned at the No Kings protests?
People of all ages are expected to come together in the protest locations for speeches, marching, carrying signs and waving American flags, organizers said in a call Wednesday.
On the group's website it says a core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action, and participants are expected to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with them.
Weapons of any kind should not be brought to events, according to the website.
How many people are expected to participate?
The No Kings Day of Defiance is expected to be the largest single-day mobilization since Trump returned to office, organizers said. Organizers said they are preparing for millions of people to take to the streets across all 50 states and commonwealths.
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'No Kings' protests: What to know about the June 14 rallies against Trump
Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images No Kings Day protest at the Capitol Reflection Pool on Presidents Day, Washington DC, February 2025 This Saturday, June 14, is set to be the largest mass protest of President Donald Trump's second term so far. June 14 is a notable day for many reasons. In the United States, the day is known as Flag Day, commemorating the adoption of the U.S. flag on that day in 1777. It's the anniversary of the Army's founding, which will have happened 250 years ago this year. It's Donald Trump's 79th birthday. It will also be marked by the largest mass mobilization of protests and rallies since Trump's second term started in January. In celebration of Flag Day, the Army's anniversary, and his birthday, Trump has planned a large-scale military parade for Saturday through the streets of Washington, D.C. The parade will reportedly include over 6,000 soldiers, 49 aircraft, and 128 vehicles, including tanks, 25 horses, two mules, and a dog in "a spectacular military parade in Washington, D.C., like no other," according to an Instagram video posted by Trump. That won't be the only significant event that day. Across the country, and in a few places in Mexico and Canada, people are organizing No Kings protests and rallies in response to what many see as an increase in authoritarian power grabs and overreach from the current administration. Over 2,000 No Kings protests and rallies are scheduled for June 14. Here's what you should know about them. DOMINIC GWINN/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images No Kings Day protest in front of the Capitol building on Presidents Day, Washington DC, February 2025 The No Kings movement is in direct response to actions taken by the Trump administration that many see as corrupt, authoritarian, and morally wrong. "They've defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights, and slashed our services," the movement's website reads. "The corruption has gone too far. No thrones. No crowns. No kings." The protests are being held on the June 14 to counterbalance Trump's military parade in Washington, D.C., which is seen by many as another sign of his administration's excess and corruption. Organizers are calling for the protests to be peaceful. "No Kings is a nationwide day of defiance," the website says. "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." Michael Siluk/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Hands Off Rally, St. Paul, Minnesota, April 2025 While the No Kings protests aren't directly related to the anti-ICE protests over recent immigration raids in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, the raids are an important issue to the movement. "Whether you're outraged by attacks on civil rights, skyrocketing costs, abductions and disappearances, the gutting of essential services, or the assault on free speech — this moment is for you," the website says, referencing mass arrests made by ICE agents in workplace raids in areas like the LA Fashion District. Jim West/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images No Kings Day protest on Presidents Day, Detroit, Michigan, February 2025 There are over 2,000 No Kings protests planned across the United States, with a few also scheduled to take place in Canada and Mexico. To find out where the closest one is, check out the movement's map. Jeremy Hogan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images 50501 Movement protest, Indianapolis, Indiana, April 2025 Trump will be in Washington, D.C., celebrating his birthday with a large military parade, something he has wanted to do since his first term as president. DOMINIC GWINN/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images Fox News coverage protest, Washington, D.C., June 2025 No, there will not be a No Kings protest in the nation's capital. According to the movement's website, it is avoiding Washington, D.C., because that is where Trump's parade will be. "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," it says. Instead, No Kings is hosting a large march and rally in Philadelphia in an attempt "to draw a clear contrast between our people-powered movement and the costly, wasteful, and un-American birthday parade in Washington." Erin Clark/The Boston Globe via Getty Images No Kings rally at Hancock Adams Common, Quincy, MA, April 2025 Trump has said that he has no patience for anyone who wants to protest the parade in the capital. "If there's any protester that wants to come out, they will be met with very big force," Trump said, per NBC News. "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."
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