Latest news with #mini-Mussolinis'
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
No Kings protest underway against Trump military parade - all updates as millions gather in parks and plazas across U.S
'No Kings' protesters have gathered in small towns and cities around the United States on Saturday to show opposition to US president Donald Trump, while he has scheduled a large military parade honouring the 250th anniversary of the Army that coincides with his birthday, as per a report. No Kings Protesters Rally Across the US According to AP, in Atlanta, the 5,000-capacity 'No Kings' rally had reached its limit very fast, and over thousands more demonstrators were outside the barrier in front of the state capitol, with a handful of counterprotesters left before the rally finished. Thousands Gather in Atlanta and Philadelphia In Philadelphia, many hundreds of protesters gathered in the famous Love Park downtown, where organisers gave out small American flags for people to carry along with protest signs saying things like 'fight oligarchy' and 'deport the mini-Mussolinis' as they waited for the march to start, as per the report. Even a woman wearing a foam Statue of Liberty crown was seen, who got a speaker system and led an anti-Trump sing-along, changing the words 'young man' in the song 'Y.M.C.A.' to 'con man,' reported AP. Nationwide Demonstrations with a Shared Message In Charlotte, North Carolina, 'No Kings' protesters were seen cheering for anti-Trump speakers and chanted 'we have no kings' while people started to gather in front of Los Angeles City Hall, many carrying American flags as a drum circle began, reported AP. Live Events Meanwhile, in Florida, over thousands of people gathered on the grounds of the old Capitol, where protesters were seen chanting, 'This is what community looks like,' and carried signs with messages like 'one nation under distress' and 'dissent is patriotic,' as per the report. 'No Kings' organisers have planned protests in almost 2,000 locations across the United States, from city blocks and small towns to courthouse steps and community parks, however, no events have been scheduled in Washington, D.C., where Trump's military parade will take place in the evening, reported AP. The 50501 Movement , the group which has organised the protests, said that it picked the name 'No Kings' to support democracy and speak out against what they call the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration, reported AP. FAQs Why are people protesting on Trump's birthday? Many see Trump's birthday military parade as symbolic of authoritarianism. Protesters are using the day to defend democracy and oppose what they say is a pattern of anti-democratic behavior. Who organized the protests? The 50501 Movement organized the national effort. Their name represents 50 states, 50 protests, one unified message.
Ottawa Citizen
2 days ago
- Politics
- Ottawa Citizen
'No Kings' protests spread across U.S. as Trump gets military parade
The massive military parade commemorating the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army, which coincides with President Donald Trump 's 79th birthday is being staged Saturday in Washington, D.C. Article content The event is expected to include about 6,600 soldiers, 50 helicopters and 60-ton M1 Abrams battle tanks, as well as possibly 200,000 attendees and heightened security to match. Article content Article content Article content Opponents of the president's agenda are simultaneously rallying in hundreds of cities nationwide at 'No Kings' protests following days of nationwide demonstrations against federal immigration raids, including in Los Angeles, where Trump deployed the National Guard and U.S. Marines against the wishes of California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Article content Article content Philadelphia is hosting the main 'No Kings' march and rally. Organizers wanted to avoid the huge security presence in Washington, D.C., where this evening's military parade coincides with Trump's birthday. Article content Several hundred people have gathered in Love Park, despite intermittent rain. Organizers are handing out small American flags. Many people are carrying anti-Trump signs with messages including 'fight oligarchy' and 'deport the mini-Mussolinis' and 'the wrong ice is melting' as they wait for the march to start. Article content Article content A handful of people are wearing gas masks or balaclavas to cover their faces. One woman in a foam Statue of Liberty crown brought a speaker system and is leading a singalong, changing 'young man' to 'con man' as people sing on of Trump's favorite tunes, 'YMCA.' One man in revolutionary-war era garb and a tri-corner hat is holding a sign that quotes Thomas Jefferson: 'All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.' Article content Article content Rain is forecast across the Washington region right around parade time, but Trump is looking forward to seeing the crowd. Article content Rain pounded the nation's capital Friday night, and the National Weather Service says a flood watch is in effect for the area until 2 p.m. Saturday. Chances for more thunderstorms increase through Saturday afternoon and evening, and as much as three inches of rain could fall within an hour or two, forecasters said.
Vancouver Sun
2 days ago
- Politics
- Vancouver Sun
'No Kings' protests spread across U.S. as Trump gets military parade
The massive military parade commemorating the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army, which coincides with President Donald Trump 's 79th birthday is being staged Saturday in Washington, D.C. The event is expected to include about 6,600 soldiers, 50 helicopters and 60-ton M1 Abrams battle tanks, as well as possibly 200,000 attendees and heightened security to match. Opponents of the president's agenda are simultaneously rallying in hundreds of cities nationwide at 'No Kings' protests following days of nationwide demonstrations against federal immigration raids, including in Los Angeles, where Trump deployed the National Guard and U.S. Marines against the wishes of California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Early marchers appear at flagship 'No Kings' rally in Philadelphia Philadelphia is hosting the main 'No Kings' march and rally. Organizers wanted to avoid the huge security presence in Washington, D.C., where this evening's military parade coincides with Trump's birthday. Several hundred people have gathered in Love Park, despite intermittent rain. Organizers are handing out small American flags. Many people are carrying anti-Trump signs with messages including 'fight oligarchy' and 'deport the mini-Mussolinis' and 'the wrong ice is melting' as they wait for the march to start. A handful of people are wearing gas masks or balaclavas to cover their faces. One woman in a foam Statue of Liberty crown brought a speaker system and is leading a singalong, changing 'young man' to 'con man' as people sing on of Trump's favorite tunes, 'YMCA.' One man in revolutionary-war era garb and a tri-corner hat is holding a sign that quotes Thomas Jefferson: 'All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.' White House says rain won't halt the parade — but lightning could Rain is forecast across the Washington region right around parade time, but Trump is looking forward to seeing the crowd. Rain pounded the nation's capital Friday night, and the National Weather Service says a flood watch is in effect for the area until 2 p.m. Saturday. Chances for more thunderstorms increase through Saturday afternoon and evening, and as much as three inches of rain could fall within an hour or two, forecasters said. Trump remained positive Saturday morning in a Truth Social post: 'OUR GREAT MILITARY PARADE IS ON, RAIN OR SHINE. REMEMBER, A RAINY DAY PERADE BRINGS GOOD LUCK. I'LL SEE YOU ALL IN D.C.' White House spokesperson Anna Kelly has said the parade will happen even if it rains, but that lightning could cause organizers to clear out the area for safety reasons. DC's Pennsylvania Avenue transforms into a vendour village Vendours are taking advantage of the expected large expected crowds and setting up shop on Pennsylvania Ave. near secured zones for the Amy's 250th birthday festival and parade. Large snowplows are being used to block off vehicle traffic, allowing pedestrians to walk on the historic street and visit vendors selling art, souvenirs, clothes, jewelry and beverages. There's also a wide variety of food options, from fan-favorite funnel cakes to lobster rolls. Several small stages where musicians will provide live music are also spread out through the vending area. Philadelphia's top prosecutor warned federal agents against breaking state law Many elected officials have urged protesters at the 'No Kings' demonstrations to be peaceful, and warned that they will show no tolerance for violence, destruction or activities such as blocking roadways. In Philadelphia, site of the flagship 'No Kings' march and rally for Saturday's nationwide demonstration, the city's top prosecutor had a warning for federal agents as well. 'ICE agents going beyond their legal rights … killing, assaulting, illegally handling people in violation of the law, denying them their due process in a way that constitutes a crime under the laws of Pennsylvania, you will be prosecuted,' District Attorney Larry Krasner told a news conference Thursday. Krasner is a leading progressive prosecutor whose police accountability efforts have made him a prominent campaign trail target in Pennsylvania for Trump and other Republicans. AP-NORC Poll: Most say this parade is not a good use of money A survey published this week finds that U.S. adults are more likely to approve than disapprove of Trump's decision to hold the military parade — The AP-NORC poll found that about 4 in 10 U.S. adults 'somewhat' or 'strongly' approve of the parade, while about 3 in 10 'somewhat' or 'strongly' disapprove. But about 6 in 10 Americans surveyed said the parade is 'not a good use' of government money — including the vast majority of people, 78%, who neither approve nor disapprove of the parade overall, according to the poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Officials have said the display of military force will cost tens of millions of taxpayer dollars. Thousands join 'No Kings' rally in Atlanta It's a festive atmosphere in the shadow of the Georgia state capitol, where the American Civil Liberties Union is handing out blue wristbands to keep count of the crowd in Liberty Plaza. Organizers said the plaza already reached its capacity of 5,000 people. Many of the 'No Kings' demonstrators are carrying American flags. It's a diverse crowd, mostly people in their 50s or older, and some families with children. One woman is carrying a sign saying 'when cruelty becomes normal, compassion looks radical.' Taylar W. — she didn't want her full last name used — said 'there's just so much going on in this country that's not OK, and if no one speaks up about it, who will?' Dozens from a veterans group arrested outside U.S. Capitol A day ahead of the military parade in Washington, about 60 veterans and family members were arrested on Friday after authorities said they crossed a police line. Organizers with Veterans for Peace said they were planning to hold a sit-in at the U.S. Capitol in protest of the presence of military members on the nation's streets. That includes for Saturday's military parade, as well as National Guard and active-duty Marines in Los Angeles. Police say participants were arrested after they crossed a perimeter of bike racks intended to keep them away from the U.S. Capitol. Here's what to expect from the big parade The tanks are staged and ready to roll. Fencing and barriers are up. Protective metal plating has been laid out on Washington's streets. And more than 6,000 troops are poised to march near the National Mall to honor the Army's 250th anniversary on Saturday, which happens to be President Donald Trump's 79th birthday. One big unknown: Rain is in the forecast and lightning could cause delays, but the White House said the parade must go one, rain or shine. And Trump said Thursday night that the weather 'doesn't matter … Doesn't affect the tanks at all. Doesn't affect the soldiers. They're used to it.' Daylong festivities celebrating the Army are planned on the National Mall — featuring NFL players, fitness competitions and displays — culminating in the parade, which is estimated to cost $25 million to $45 million. The Army expects as many as 200,000 people to attend. A special reviewing area is being set up so that the president can watch up close as each formation passes the White House. Cities brace for large crowds at anti-Trump 'No Kings' demonstrations across the US Cities large and small were preparing for major demonstrations Saturday across the U.S. against Trump, as officials urge calm and National Guard troops mobilize. A flagship 'No Kings' march and rally are planned in Philadelphia, but no events are scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C. The demonstrations come on the heels of protests flaring up around the country over federal immigration enforcement raids that began last week and Trump ordering National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles where protesters blocked a freeway and set cars on fire. Police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets and flash-bang grenades while officials enforced curfews in Los Angeles and Democratic governors called Trump's Guard deployment 'an alarming abuse of power' that 'shows the Trump administration does not trust local law enforcement.' The Army is set to celebrate 250 years with a parade that coincides with Trump's birthday The massive military parade that President Trump has long wanted is set to step off from the Lincoln Memorial on Saturday evening, with tanks, bands and thousands of troops. And the biggest question marks are whether it will be overshadowed or delayed by either the weather in Washington or planned protests elsewhere around the country. Falling on Trump's 79th birthday, the parade was added just a few weeks ago to the Army's long-planned 250th anniversary celebration. It has triggered 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 down along the route. The daylong display of America's Army comes as Trump has shown his willingness to use his fighting forces in ways other U.S. presidents have typically avoided, inviting an array of lawsuits and accusations that he is politicizing the military. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our newsletters here .
