Millions in US expected to join ‘No Kings’ protests against Trump

Millions of people are expected to demonstrate against the Trump administration on Saturday at about 2,000 locations across the country in a “No Kings” protest, scheduled for the same day as the military parade and the president’s birthday.

Interest in these events has exploded since Trump sent National Guard troops and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles to quell largely peaceful protests against widespread evictions.

“Since the weekend, hundreds of new events have been added to the No Kings Day map,” said Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, one of the groups behind the Day of Defiance. “Hundreds of thousands of people have signed up for these events.”

One protest website cites Trump’s defiance of justice, mass evictions, civil rights abuses, and budget cuts as the reasons for the demonstrations, stating: “The corruption has gone too far. No more thrones. No more crowns.” No Kings.” Events have been scheduled in major cities and small towns across the country, spanning coast to coast, as part of a strategy to demonstrate the existence of opposition to Trump in the United States.

No Kings will not hold an event in Washington, D.C., in an effort to distract from the military parade and demonstrate people power outside the capital. Philadelphia will host a large rally instead, and a Washington-based organization is organizing a “Day of Joy in Washington” in the region “to celebrate the people of Washington, D.C., its culture, and our relationship with each other.”

“We didn’t want to give him an excuse to crack down on counterprotesters in Washington,” Levine said. “We didn’t want to give him an excuse to say we’re protesting the military. Instead, we wanted to make him look small and weak, which he is, and demonstrate everywhere else in the country.” »

In early April, the “Hands Up” protests drew millions of people to more than 1,300 locations. Levine expects the “No Kings” protests to be even larger, despite Trump’s threats to respond with “very significant force,” threats the White House has since attempted to tone down.

Trump said at a press conference this week that protesters at the military parade “hate our country” and “will be met with very significant force,” while denying any knowledge of planned protests against the event. Press secretary Carolyn Leavitt later said Trump “supports peaceful protests.”

Asked about the “No Kings” protests at a White House event Thursday, Trump said, “I don’t feel like a king. I have to go through hell to get permission.”

Organizers have increased the capacity of protest rehearsals due to heightened security concerns following Trump’s actions in Los Angeles. At a “Know Your Rights” seminar hosted Tuesday by the American Civil Liberties Union, a moderator reported that more than 18,000 people attended. Questions included the participation of legal immigrants with green cards or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, what to do in the event of violence, and how to manage potential agitators.

Messages urging people to sit down in the event of violence have circulated widely on social media. Organizers say this tactic can be useful in some situations, but dangerous and unsafe in others. Protesters should plan for security measures, but do not expect a widespread sit-in.

Troops remain deployed in Los Angeles, and protests against their presence and immigration enforcement continue.

Hunter Dunn, national press coordinator for the decentralized protest movement 50501, was tear-gassed during a demonstration in Los Angeles against the arrest of union leader David Huerta. Dunn is helping to organize the “No Kings” protest in Los Angeles, and 50501 is a partner in this national day of protest. Dunn said the Los Angeles protest is now being organized to protest the situation on the ground.

“There’s a growing focus on removing ICE and the federal government from Los Angeles, and it’s increasingly clearly a protest against authoritarianism and fascism, as we’re actively under attack from our own government,” Dunn added.

According to the map, “No Kings” protests will take place throughout the Los Angeles area, with a large demonstration expected near City Hall. Dunn explained that organizers are increasing security measures and medical support.

If someone’s legal status is threatened, I don’t want them to put it in danger by protesting. But I want them to ask five of their neighbors to come instead, Dunn said. “Because if you stand alone against the government, you will be crushed and repressed. But if an entire community rallies in solidarity, no government in the world can destroy it. Together, we are safer.”

In Minnesota, Heather Friedley helps organize a rally and march on the Capitol in St. Paul. The community, which saw massive protests and riots following the police killing of George Floyd in 2020, fears the Trump administration will target it as the president seeks to rethink his response to the protests five years ago. But Friedley said he’s heard a lot of feedback suggesting people are ready to protest no matter what.

I think our people are already ready. It may have been a little horrific, you know, like, everything that happened was horrific, but in many ways, it began to strengthen the community bonds that we still have today, and I think we’re stronger for it.

While many Americans believe the country is at a turning point with Trump’s use of military force to quell the protests, the country has seen several recent turning points, starting with his victory last November, Levine said. This moment is likely to be “one of the most significant catalysts,” primarily due to “Trump’s outrageousness.” Levine added that Saturday’s protests will attract new members to the anti-Trump movement and help build capacity for future events.

“Will we suddenly save democracy on Saturday? No. Will Trump suddenly leave office on Saturday? No, that’s not how it works,” Levine said. “We’re thinking about it, we’re strengthening ourselves. We’re conducting a big exercise on Saturday. But it’s a tactic that’s part of a larger strategy to protect American democracy.”