In a significant show of dissent, progressive groups across the United States are set to organize over 1,500 ‘No Kings Day’ events this Saturday. The protests aim to counter the military parade in Washington, D.C., commemorating the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday, which they view as a politicized spectacle orchestrated by President Donald Trump.
This initiative was initially revealed in early May by Indivisible, a major organizing group, and other coalition partners. Recently, the heightened public interest, spurred by President Trump’s response to immigration protests in Los Angeles, has led to a surge in participation and engagement. Indivisible Co-Executive Director Ezra Levin noted on MSNBC that they have had to arrange additional training sessions to accommodate the influx of individuals looking to participate in the protests.
Indivisible has characterized the upcoming military parade as a ‘made-for-TV display of dominance’ serving dual purposes: glorifying the military while simultaneously recognizing President Trump’s birthday, which falls on June 14. Despite Trump’s claims that the parade is in honor of Flag Day and not for his birthday, Indivisible maintains that the celebration has been manipulated for political gain. The Pentagon and the Army have asserted that their planned birthday festivities will not include any traditional birthday acknowledgment for the president.
The organization’s messaging reflects deep concern over what they describe as the Trump administration’s overreach and attacks on civil rights, with specific emphasis on the administration’s deportations and other actions that have adversely affected essential services. Indivisible’s statement on the upcoming events articulates a firm stance against the idea of an authoritarian figure leading the country: ‘This country doesn’t belong to a king…On June 14th, we’re coming together to send one clear message: No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings.’
Additionally, the protests are not limited to domestic locations; events are also scheduled in Europe and South America, indicating the international scope of this dissent against the Trump administration.
Indivisible co-executive director Leah Greenberg emphasized the broader dangers posed by the administration, framing the parade within a context of increasing repression against dissenters. Her statement highlighted concerns that the perceived consolidation of Trump’s power may be categorized as inevitable, but the protests aim to challenge that narrative.
The ‘toolkit’ released by Indivisible outlines how individuals can set up and lead protests while advising against holding any demonstrations in Washington, D.C., to prevent overshadowing the events taking place across the nation. Organizers encourage participants to keep the protests peaceful and to be mindful of potential confrontations, reiterating a commitment to nonviolence and the avoidance of weapons at the protests.
This approach follows Indivisible’s involvement in the national “Hands Off” protests held in April, where they effectively mobilized resistance. As the ‘No Kings’ protests approach, organizers are mindful of the heightened tensions surrounding protests, particularly in light of recent crackdowns in areas like Los Angeles. Nonetheless, they express confidence in their ability to galvanize large numbers of participants and to execute their events without giving President Trump the narrative he seeks.
Levin underscored the importance of demonstrating the fundamental principle of democracy where power derives from the people. He expressed hope that on Saturday, the collective actions of the protesters will emphatically convey this message with clarity and purpose.
As the day of protest nears, Indivisible and its coalition partners are preparing to make a formidable stand against what they perceive as an attempt to undermine the democratic foundations of the United States under President Trump’s administration.
image source from：https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/progressives-holding-kings-day-protests-us-counter-trump/story?id=122698173
