No Kings Protests Underway In Cities Across United States (Photos)

In hundreds of American cities, thousands of protesters are anticipated to demonstrate against the Trump administration and the president’s military parade in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, commemorating the Army’s 250th birthday. Additionally, today is Flag Day, honouring the June 14, 1777, adoption of the U.S. flag.

Using the motto “No Kings,” the counter-protesters are portraying their actions as a “day of defiance” against Trump and his supporters, while some have been demanding that the president be “dethroned.” They claim to be fighting for democracy and opposing Trump’s alleged authoritarian governance.

One of their main concerns is Trump’s mass deportation programs, which they oppose. Last week, protests against Trump’s immigration policies turned violent in Los Angeles, prompting Trump to call in the National Guard to restore order.

Trump will be in the nation’s capital to watch a parade featuring approximately 6,600 troops, 150 military vehicles, historical reenactments, and performances by military bands. Trump aims for the parade to showcase American military strength and patriotism.

Who is organizing the “No Kings” protests?

Several overlapping organizations are organizing the rallies, including Indivisible, a progressive group formed in 2016 in the wake of Trump’s first election win, the American Civil Liberties Union, and 50501, a group formed earlier this year in response to President Trump’s second administration. The name 50501 stands for 50 states, 50 protests, and one movement.

505051 has organized several protests this year, including the April 5 “Hands Off” protests, which encapsulated a broad range of grievances against the Trump administration, including healthcare and civil liberties concerns.

Why are the protests called “No Kings”?

Demonstrators are trying to portray President Trump as a king who rules with unchecked power and bypasses laws and court rulings.

“They’ve defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights, and slashed our services,” the 50501 site reads. “The corruption has gone too far. No thrones. No crowns. No kings.”

The flagship march and rally will be taking place in Philadelphia, where the phrase “No Kings But Us” is a common phrase seen on flags and pennants outside of homes.

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Previously, it was a non-political, revolutionary symbol of anti-monarchy and American pride. Recently, it’s been adopted by the anti-Trump organization 50501.

What has President Donald Trump said about the “No Kings” protest?

Trump on Thursday brushed off the protests’ central theme that he is a king.

“I don’t feel like a king, I have to go through hell to get stuff approved,” Trump said. “We’re not a king at all, thank you very much,” he added.

Trump said that any demonstrators who turn up to protest the military parade will be met by a “very big force.”

“[These] people that hate our country, but they will be met with very heavy force.”

Why is the “No Kings” protest taking place on June 14?

Protesters see the military parade as an extension of Trump’s authoritarian rule and seek to counter it. They say it’s a politicized use of military symbolism and a visual display of power reminiscent of autocratic regimes.

They want to contrast it with their image of a grassroots movement and draw a sharp line between democratic values and authoritarian aesthetics.