Demonstrations against President Donald Trump’s administration are set to take place in nearly 2,000 locations across the United States on Saturday.
The protests coincide with a grand military parade in Washington, D.C., commemorating the Army’s 250th anniversary, which also happens to fall on Trump’s 79th birthday and Flag Day.
Dubbed the ‘No Kings’ protests, the events aim to counter what organizers claim are Trump’s plans to indulge his ego during the celebration.
Earlier this spring, Trump announced ambitious plans for the parade, including the display of heavy military equipment like 60-ton M1 Abrams battle tanks and Paladin self-propelled howitzers.
The parade follows Trump’s long-standing desire to showcase a significant exhibition of military might.
Organized by the 50501 Movement, the ‘No Kings’ theme represents a collective of ordinary Americans dedicated to upholding democracy.
The name ‘50501’ signifies 50 states, 50 protests, and one unified movement.
Earlier protests this year have criticized both Trump and his billionaire adviser Elon Musk, highlighting the authoritarian nature of their policies and hierarchy.
Protesters have called for Trump to be ‘dethroned,’ likening his governance to that of a monarch rather than a democratically elected official.
“They’ve defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights, and slashed our services,” the 50501 Movement states on its website, condemning the actions of the Trump administration.
The No Kings Day of Defiance has been specifically organized to reject authoritarianism, billionaire-centric politics, and the militarization of American democracy.
This protest will serve as a counterpoint to the lavish celebration in Washington, which they view as a symbol of extravagant government spending amidst other pressing national issues.
“The flag doesn’t belong to President Trump. It belongs to us,” the No Kings website asserts.
Participants plan to demonstrate on June 14 to express their opposition to what they perceive as the establishment of a royal-like leadership in Trump.
The movements aim to gather in various locations, with a significant march and rally organized in Philadelphia anticipated to draw considerable attention.
This rally intends to establish a sharp contrast between a grassroots-driven protest and the expensive military display in D.C.
While protests are occurring nationwide, intriguingly, there are no scheduled protests in Washington, D.C.
Instead, the plan is to create a narrative of action happening throughout other parts of the country on this significant day.
In Georgia, approximately 30 protests are planned, with the largest gathering occurring in downtown Atlanta.
Protesters in Atlanta will convene at Liberty Plaza next to the Georgia State Capitol from 10 a.m. to noon, showcasing their dissent.
Additional protests are set to take place in surrounding areas including Marietta, Tucker, Douglasville, Athens, McDonough, Griffin, Newnan, Carrollton, and various other locations throughout the state.
The organizers have expressed that attendees of the No Kings protests will encompass individuals of all ages who will engage in various activities including speeches, marches, and the display of American flags.
A core principle of the No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action, with participants encouraged to avoid conflicts and de-escalate potential confrontations.
Moreover, attendees are advised against bringing any weapons to these gatherings.
The No Kings protest is expected to mark the largest single-day mobilization since Trump reassumed office, with organizers preparing for millions of participants to take to the streets across all 50 states and U.S. territories.
As the protests prepare to unfold, they reflect an ongoing struggle over the definition of democracy and national identity in the face of Trump’s presidency.
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