Protesters are planning coordinated “No Kings” demonstrations against President Donald Trump across the U.S. on his birthday.
Newsweek has contacted the organizers and the White House for comment via email.
Why It Matters
The protests, organized by the 50501 Movement (50 protests, 50 states, one movement) and other groups, are targeting a military parade that is set to be held in the nation’s capital on June 14, coinciding with Trump’s 79th birthday, the Army’s 250th birthday and Flag Day.
What To Know
Organizers of the protests are calling for June 14 to be a “nationwide day of defiance.”
“From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, we’re taking action to reject authoritarianism—and show the world what democracy really looks like,” organizers say on the “No Kings” website.
“We’re not gathering to feed his ego. We’re building a movement that leaves him behind. The flag doesn’t belong to Donald Trump. It belongs to us. We’re not watching history happen. We’re making it.”
They add that protesters will be “showing up everywhere he isn’t—to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings.”
Plans for the parade call for some 6,600 soldiers, at least 150 vehicles and 50 helicopters following a route from Arlington, Virginia, to the National Mall, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press.
The estimated cost of the parade could be as high as $45 million, NBC News reported, citing defense officials.
But Trump defended the cost, telling NBC News’ Meet the Press that it was “peanuts compared to the value of doing it.”
He also said the parade was not “necessarily” about him. “I view it for Flag Day, not necessarily my birthday,” he said.
Nationwide protests denouncing Trump and his administration’s policies have been held on several occasions since he returned to office in January.
They include “Not My Presidents Day” demonstrations in February, “Hands Off!” protests in April and “May Day” protests last month.
What People Are Saying
The 50501 Movement wrote on Instagram in May: “The wannabe dictator wants a party? Well then, let’s show him some ‘love.’ On June 14th, Trump is spending tens of millions of taxpayer dollars to throw himself a military parade for this birthday. He wants a made-for-TV event to display his power—but the real power in America isn’t with some wannabe king. It rests with all of us, we the people. That’s why we’re peacefully protesting across the nation on that same day, un every location that Trump isn’t. Because in America, we have no kings.”
Asked about the parade, President Trump told NBC’s Meet the Press in May: “I view it for Flag Day, not necessarily my birthday. Somebody put it together. But no, I think we’re going to do something on June 14 maybe or somewhere around there. But I think June 14, it’s a very important day.”
What’s Next
Organizers are calling for people to attend demonstrations being held across the country or to organize their own event.
The post ‘No Kings’ Anti-Trump Protest Planned for President’s Birthday—What to Know appeared first on Newsweek.
