What does the No Kings protest mean? What is No Kings Day, and why are millions protesting in U.S?
As tanks roll down the streets of Washington, D.C., in a grand military parade marking the Army's 250th birthday and coinciding with US president Donald Trump's 79th birthday on Saturday, June 14, millions of Americans have prepared a very different kind of celebration, as per a report. Across almost 2,000 cities and towns, from courthouse steps to small-town parks, protesters have gathered for what organisers have called the 'No Kings Day of Defiance," reported AP.
A Movement Born of Frustration
The 'No Kings" rally is led by the
50501 Movement
, a grassroots coalition spanning all 50 states, the protests aim to push back against what Trump's critics describe as the increasingly authoritarian style of the Trump administration, according to the report. The name '50501' symbolises 50 states, 50 protests, one movement, reported AP.
The main motive of the protest is a fear that Trump, now in his second term, is steering the country away from its democratic foundations, as per the report. Organisers say the decision to escalate the Army's anniversary into a massive military show with 60-ton M1 Abrams battle tanks and Paladin self-propelled howitzers rumbling through the nation's capital, is a symbol of power being misused for personal spectacle, according to AP.
As per the report, protests have denounced Trump and his former billionaire adviser Elon Musk, who was also heading the administration's Department of Government Efficiency, a government organisation designed to slash federal spending. 'No Kings" protesters have urged that Trump must be 'dethroned' because they compare his actions to those of a king and not a democratically elected president, reported AP.
The group's website pointed out that, 'They've defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights, and slashed our services,' adding, 'They've done this all while continuing to serve and enrich their billionaire allies,' as quoted in the report.
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Why June 14?
June 14 is a day with a lot of relevance to Americans as it is Flag Day, it's the Army's 250th birthday, and it's even Trump's 79th birthday.
The movement's website mentions that, 'The flag doesn't belong to President Trump. It belongs to us,' adding, 'On June 14th, we're showing up everywhere he isn't — to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings,' quoted AP.
"No Kings" Protesters Are Skipping Washington, D.C.
Rather than gathering in Washington, D.C., where the military parade will take centre stage, 'No Kings' protesters will take their message across the rest of the country, as per the report. A flagship rally will be held in Philadelphia as the "No Kings" protest aims to draw a clear contrast between its people-powered movement and what organisers described on their website as the 'costly, wasteful, and un-American birthday parade' in Washington, reported AP.
FAQs
What is the 'No Kings' protest about?
It's a nationwide movement against what organisers see as authoritarian behaviour by US president Donald Trump and his administration.
Why is it called 'No Kings'?
Because many protesters believe Trump acts more like a king than a democratically elected president. The name is a statement for democracy and against authoritarianism.
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Economic Times
31 minutes ago
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Trump's long-awaited military parade barrels through nation's capital with tanks, troops and 21-gun salute
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The procession with more than 6,000 soldiers and 128 Army tanks was one Trump tried to make happen in his first term after seeing such an event in Paris in 2017, but the plans never came together until this year, when the parade was added to an event recognizing the Army's 250th anniversary. Up above, the Army's Golden Knights parachute team appeared in the overcast sky, descending toward the reviewing stand. The team had been scheduled to jump at the end of the parade, but appeared in the skies above the National Mall far earlier than planned as a light rain fell. At times, Trump stood and saluted as troops marched past the reviewing stand. Hours before the parade started, demonstrators turned out in streets and parks around the nation to sound off against the Republican president. They criticized Trump for using the military to respond to people protesting his deportation efforts and for the muscular military show in the U.S. capital. 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Hours ahead of the parade, crowds of protesters with anti-Trump signs marched toward the White House, escorted by police vehicles and officers on bicycles. Some held a giant banner that read: "TRUMP MUST GO NOW." The parade was added just a few weeks ago to the planned celebration of the Army's birthday and has drawn criticism for its price tag of up to $45 million and the possibility that the lumbering tanks could tear up city streets. The Army has taken a variety of steps to protect the streets, including laying metal plates along the route. About 6 in 10 Americans said Saturday's parade was "not a good use" of government money. The vast majority of people, 78%, said they neither approve nor disapprove of the parade overall, according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Larry Stallard, a retired American Airlines pilot, traveled to Washington from Kansas City for the weekend "to see the military and see Trump." 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Earlier this week, Trump raised eyebrows during a speech at Fort Bragg when members of the 82nd Airborne Division, who were directed to stand behind Trump, booed and cheered during his incendiary remarks, including condemnation of his predecessor, Joe Biden. There also was a pop-up "Make America Great Again" merchandise stand nearby selling souvenirs to troops in uniform. The Defense Department has a doctrine that prohibits troops from participating in political activity while in uniform. Members of Congress and military leaders have expressed concerns about the political displays during the speech at Fort Bragg. Saturday's pageantry was designed to fulfill Trump's expressed desire for a big parade that he tried to get done in his first term after seeing one in Paris on Bastille Day in 2017. Trump said after watching the two-hour procession along the famed Champs-Elysees that he wanted an even grander one in Washington. The parade included about 6,600 soldiers, 50 helicopters and 60-ton M1 Abrams battle tanks, all of it viewed by cheering spectators in an atmosphere of heightened security. The parade wound down Constitution Avenue, lined with security fencing and barriers. A flyover of military aircraft included World War II-era planes, including a B-25 Mitchell bomber, and army helicopters flew low over the crowd, below the top of the Washington Monument. Mounted soldiers from the 1st Cavalry Division made an appearance - horses once played a crucial role in warfare, but today they're mostly used in ceremonial events like today's parade. The night also was to include a concert featuring "God Bless the U.S.A." singer Lee Greenwood and fireworks. Trump also was expected to swear in 250 new or reenlisting troops. "No Kings" rallies unfolded in hundreds of cities, designed to counter what organizers said were Trump's plans to feed his ego on his 79th birthday and flag day. Organizers said they picked the name to support democracy and speak out against what they call the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration. Ahead of a rally and march toward the White House on Saturday afternoon, about 200 protesters assembled in northwest Washington's Logan Circle and handed out signs and danced to upbeat music from a local street band, including "This Land Is Your Land." The mood was celebratory as the group chanted "Trump must go now" before erupting in cheers. A larger-than-life puppet of Trump was wheeled through the crowd, a caricature of the president wearing a crown and sitting on a golden toilet. Other protesters waved pride flags and hoisted signs, some with pointed messages such as "I prefer crushed ICE," referring to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. Other messages were: "The invasion was HERE Jan. 6th, NOT in L.A." and "Flip me off if you're a FASCIST."
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First Post
35 minutes ago
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This Week in Explainers: What's the latest conflict between Israel and Iran all about?
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