What is 'No Kings' day? Why millions are protesting on June 14, Trump's birthday
Thousands of anti-Trump protests are erupting across the United States today under the banner of 'No Kings' day, a coordinated movement aimed at pushing back against what demonstrators see as authoritarian overreach since the president returned to office in January.
Protesters say the event is a symbolic rejection of what they view as unchecked executive power, highlighting recent policies they argue erode democratic norms and civil liberties — particularly those targeting immigration, LGBTQIA+ communities, and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.
The 'No Kings National Day of Mobilizations' comes as protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Los Angeles escalated this week, following Trump's deployment of the National Guard to the state, an unusual step without the governor's permission.
Texas officials have taken similar measures, as Gov. Greg Abbott confirmed this week that he will deploy over 5,000 National Guard soldiers to cities throughout the state amid ongoing protests in San Antonio and Austin.
Here's what we know.
More: 'No Kings' protests planned across US on June 14: See map of locations in Texas
More: Protesting on 'No Kings' day? Know your rights for anti-Trump protests on Saturday
The demonstrations are organized by Indivisible, a nonprofit coalition of progressive political action groups, which states that it is organizing 'to reject corrupt, authoritarian politics.'
"In America, we don't put up with would-be kings. NO KINGS is a national day of action and mass mobilization in response to increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption from Trump and his allies," the protest event states. "We've watched as they've cracked down on free speech, detained people for their political views, threatened to deport American citizens and defied the courts. They've done this all while continuing to serve and enrich their billionaire allies."
The website nokings.org adds that the day is to "gather to remind President Trump and his enablers: America has No King!"
June 14 is Flag Day, which this year marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army. To celebrate, the U.S. Army is holding a military parade that will cross in front of Trump's viewing stand and bisect the National Mall. It is expected to include 7,500 soldiers and 120 vehicles, and is estimated to cost up to $45 million.
It is also Trump's 79th birthday.
'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,' says the website. '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.'
Trump has long wanted to hold military parades, pushing for them twice during his first term. However, his former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis objected to the idea as a politicization of the military.
In response to the parade and other grievances with the Trump administration, No Kings is planning protests nationwide, stating that protesters are not "gathering to feed his ego" but rather "building a movement that leaves him behind.
"The flag doesn't belong to Donald Trump. It belongs to us. We're not watching history happen. We're making it," the event states. "On June 14th, we're showing up everywhere he isn't — to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings."
Trump has promised retaliation for protesters, stating on June 10 that "they're going to be met with very big force."
Several Texas cities are expected to hold rallies for "No Kings Day of Mobilizations" this weekend. You can find one near you on this map.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: What does 'No Kings' mean? Anti-Trump protests planned today across US
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