On June 14, 2025, a wave of protests under the banner “No Kings” is set to sweep across the United States, organized as a direct response to a military parade planned by the Trump administration in Washington, D.C.
The date coincides with Flag Day, the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, and President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday, amplifying the symbolic weight of the event.
Organizers describe these protests as a “nationwide day of defiance,” aiming to reject what they perceive as authoritarian tendencies and reaffirm democratic values.
The “No Kings” movement, spearheaded by pro-democracy groups such as Indivisible, 50501, Stand Up America, and others, is a reaction to a large-scale military parade scheduled in the nation’s capital.
According to reports, the parade will feature approximately 6,600 soldiers, 150 military vehicles, 50 helicopters, fireworks, and performances by the Army’s Golden Knights Parachute team, with an estimated cost of up to $45 million.
Critics argue that the event, which Trump has publicly tied to both Flag Day and his birthday, serves as a self-aggrandizing display of power rather than a celebration of national pride or military heritage.
Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, emphasized the movement’s message in an interview with Newsweek, stating, “He is planning to roll tanks through the streets of D.C. in celebration of his birthday, and that’s the kind of thing you normally wouldn’t see in a constitutional republic, certainly not America.
It’s something you’d see in North Korea or other authoritarian regimes.” Organizers assert that the protests are not merely a response to the parade but a broader stand against policies they view as undermining democratic principles, including cuts to social programs and perceived attacks on civil rights.
The “No Kings” protests are expected to draw millions of participants across more than 1,550 events in all 50 states, as well as in locations like the Virgin Islands, Canada, Italy, and London.
Notably, no protests are planned in Washington, D.C., itself. Levin explained this strategic choice, noting that the movement aims to avoid giving the administration an excuse to crack down on peaceful demonstrators or frame them as anti-military.
Instead, the protests will focus on creating an “alternative narrative” nationwide, emphasizing grassroots resistance in cities, towns, and communities.
In California, demonstrations are planned in cities like Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Fresno, with events ranging from rallies at courthouses to gatherings in community parks.
Over 30 protests are scheduled in New Jersey, including in Newton, Montclair, Morristown, and Princeton. To avoid conflicting with another local event, a rally will take place at Hinds Plaza from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Other notable locations include New York City’s Bryant Park, Philadelphia’s Love Park, and Seattle’s University of Washington campus.
Organizers are encouraging participants to attend peacefully with family and friends, emphasizing nonviolent action as a core principle. The movement’s website, nokings.org, provides a map of events and resources for those looking to join or organize their own demonstrations.
“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,” the website states.
