What does ‘No Kings' day mean? Reasons behind the protests across the US
Across the United States, 'No Kings' protests are being held to speak out against authoritarianism and the policies of President Donald Trump.
The demonstrations, which are being held in all 50 states on Saturday, June 14, are planned by 50501 and organized locally by volunteers. (Some protests in Minnesota were canceled following the shootings of state lawmakers, The Miami Herald reported.) The grassroots movement describes itself as 'peaceful' and said on its website it would not tolerate violence.
Saturday's protests fall on Flag Day, Trump's 79th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army — a milestone being celebrated in Washington, D.C. Saturday evening with a military parade and fireworks.
No 'No Kings' protests are planned for Washington, D.C. Instead, there would be a 'major flagship march and rally' in Philadelphia.
'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,' according to the No Kings website.
What is 'No Kings'?
The 'No Kings' protests were mentioned in a June 6 press release, which expected the demonstrations to be 'the largest single-day mobilization since President Trump returned to office — a mass, nationwide protest rejecting authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics, and the militarization of our democracy.'
Millions of people are estimated to be participating in Saturday's protests, which are occurring in the U.S., South America and Europe.
National Guard troops have been put on standby in states including Missouri, Virginia, Texas and Nebraska, but No Kings organizers have continued to urge nonviolence. Protests have included speeches, marching and chants, with many participants holding homemade signs.
Protests are a response to Trump's 'self-aggrandizing $100 million military parade and birthday celebration,' according to the press release. Outlets including NBC News and CBS News reported that the parade could cost up to $45 million.
The No Kings events come after days of protests following raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Los Angeles, and Trump's subsequent deployment of thousands of National Guard and U.S. Marines troops to 'temporarily protect' ICE and other federal personnel, along with federal property.
Who is behind No Kings protests?
The grassroots movement 50501, which is behind the No Kings protests, wants the government to 'uphold the Constitution' and 'end executive overreach.' Its name stands for '50 states, 50 protests, 1 movement,' according to its website.
Many other groups have been named 'partners' in the No Kings protests. They include:
Indivisible American Federation of TeachersBlack Voters Matter Declaration for American Democracy National Action Network People Power UnitedStand Up America
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