On Saturday, as a military-style parade rolls through Washington, DC, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s birthday, millions are anticipated to flood the streets. Organizers believe this will be the most substantial display of opposition to the Trump administration since he took office in January. Over 1,800 protests are scheduled across all 50 states as part of the No Kings movement, which aims to reject “authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics, and the militarization of our democracy.”
This mobilization is a direct response to Trump’s military parade, organized to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the US Army and to celebrate his 79th birthday. Recently, all eyes have turned to Los Angeles, where Trump has deployed the National Guard and Marines in response to significant protests against immigration sweeps. This extraordinary measure has only galvanized protest organizers, rallying participants to voice their opposition against authoritarianism.
Demonstrations have erupted in cities across the nation, including New York, Seattle, Chicago, Austin, Las Vegas, and Washington, DC, as the Trump administration intensifies its military posture against citizens. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has indicated that the order used to federalize the National Guard for Los Angeles could pave the way for similar actions in other states. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has also deployed the state’s National Guard ahead of planned protests, including a significant “No Kings” event in San Antonio on Saturday. Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has similarly activated the National Guard “as a precautionary measure” amid rising civil unrest.
Organizers believe Saturday’s demonstrations will be the largest nationwide rejection of Trump’s policies thus far. Ezra Levin, co-executive director of Indivisible, the organization backing the No Kings movement, stated, “Even conservative estimates say that 3.5 million people turned out for the Hands Off mobilization in April. That’s already 1% of the population of the US. No Kings is on track to exceed that by millions more. This is historic.”
Officials estimate that the military parade, showcasing 7 million pounds of machinery and weaponry, could cost up to $45 million. Protest organizers are strategically planning their events away from the Capitol to divert attention from the military spectacle. A flagship rally is set to take place in Philadelphia, with No Kings events kicking off across the nation. California alone is expected to host over 200 protest events, with significant participation anticipated in cities like Phoenix, Houston, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Chicago, according to the No Kings website.
In preparation for the weekend, No Kings organizers held a Zoom call with over 4,000 participants, many serving as local hosts for the protests. They provided guidance on ensuring safety and peace during the demonstrations. Organizers role-played various scenarios to equip attendees, emphasizing the importance of de-escalating tensions and maintaining non-violent interactions.
As the political climate heats up due to immigration policies and the National Guard’s involvement in protests, many cities are already experiencing protest activity ahead of Saturday. Local and state authorities are on high alert. South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson characterized expected protesters as “radical anti-American groups,” warning that anyone who attacks law enforcement or damages property will face prosecution. In contrast, leaders like Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch advocate for peaceful protests, reaffirming the importance of protecting citizens' rights to assemble.
The upcoming protests represent a significant moment in the ongoing struggle against policies perceived as authoritarian, and as millions prepare to take to the streets, the nation watches closely.
