Nationwide Protests Against Trump’s Military Parade on His Birthday

Photo: AP

On Saturday, as President Donald Trump celebrates his 79th birthday, a military parade will roll through Washington, DC. However, millions of people are expected to take to the streets to protest against his administration. Organizers believe this will be the biggest protest since Trump took office.

Over 1,800 protests are planned across all 50 states under the No Kings movement. The movement aims to reject “authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics, and the militarization of democracy.”

The protests are a direct response to Trump’s military parade, which celebrates the 250th anniversary of the US Army. This event also coincides with Trump’s birthday.

In the days leading up to the protests, all eyes have been on Los Angeles. There, Trump deployed the National Guard and Marines in response to large protests against immigration policies. This action has led more people to join the protests across the country, including in cities like New York, Seattle, Chicago, and Washington, DC.

Trump’s administration has been using military power against its own citizens. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth suggested that similar responses might happen in other states. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has already deployed the state’s National Guard in preparation for protests, including a major “No Kings” event in San Antonio.

Missouri’s governor also activated the National Guard, citing civil unrest across the country as the reason.

This protest will not be the first large-scale rejection of Trump’s policies. Organizers expect it to be even bigger than previous ones, like the Hands Off! mobilization in April, which had 3.5 million participants.

The protests are mainly organized by the No Kings movement. While Trump’s parade will display military power in Washington, organizers have planned the main rally in Philadelphia. Protests will also take place across the country, with more than 200 planned in California alone. Major cities like Phoenix, Houston, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Chicago are expected to have big turnouts.

Organizers recently spoke with over 4,000 people during a Zoom call, preparing them for the weekend protests. They discussed strategies for ensuring peaceful demonstrations and emphasized non-violence.

Cities are already seeing protests related to immigration policies before Saturday’s big event. Local authorities have been preparing for the protests as well. Some officials, like South Carolina’s Attorney General, have warned that violence will not be tolerated. However, other leaders, like Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson, have expressed support for peaceful protests.

Authorities have also stated that they are committed to ensuring the safety of protesters and the general public. Protest organizers are working closely with local officials to make sure everything goes smoothly. The goal of the protests is to send a clear message: "In America, we don’t do kings."