More than 1,500 “No Kings Day” protests are set to erupt across the United States this weekend as a show of defiance against President Donald Trump’s military parade scheduled for June 14 in Washington, D.C. June 14 marks a confluence of symbolic dates: Trump’s 79th birthday, Flag Day, and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. But instead of gathering in the capital, organisers have opted to spread their message through grassroots action in every state—underscoring their belief that “real power isn’t staged in Washington.”
What is ‘No Kings Day’?
The “No Kings Day” movement aims to redirect attention away from what it describes as Trump’s “made-for-TV display of dominance” and toward what democracy truly looks like: ordinary Americans taking a stand. The protests also follow days of unrest in Los Angeles over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and the controversial deployment of National Guard troops by Trump—against the wishes of California Governor Gavin Newsom. “In America, we don’t do kings,” reads the official protest website. “They’ve defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights, and slashed our services.”
Trump’s warning to protesters
On Tuesday, Trump responded to reports of the planned protests with a warning. “For those people that want to protest, they’re going to be met with very big force,” he said. “This is people that hate our country.” Despite Trump’s remarks, the protests are designed to be peaceful, decentralized, and focused on communities rather than confrontation.
Organisers sidestep D.C. to shift focus
Notably, organisers have chosen not to stage any demonstrations in Washington, D.C. Instead, the largest rally will take place in Philadelphia, meant to “draw a clear contrast between our people-powered movement and the costly, wasteful, and un-American birthday parade.” “On June 14, we’re showing up everywhere [Trump] isn’t—to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings,” organisers declared.
List of cities where ‘No Kings Day’ protest is taking place
From big cities to small towns, here’s a sampling of where Americans will gather:
- Phoenix, AZ: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Arizona State Capitol
- Chicago, IL: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., Daley Plaza
- Philadelphia, PA: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., Love Park to Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Seattle, WA: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., Cal Anderson Park
- New York, NY: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Bryant Park
- Houston, TX: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Houston City Hall
- Atlanta, GA: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Liberty Plaza
- Salt Lake City, UT: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Pioneer Park
Protests will also take place in towns such as Homer, Alaska; St. Cloud, Minnesota; and Huntington, West Virginia—showcasing the widespread reach of the movement.