The streets of America saw thousands of protesters today in a worldwide action organized by the 50501 movement, called “No Kings” protests against President Donald Trump’s policies. The protests were timed in part to Trump’s massive military parade on his 79th birthday in Washington, D.C., that “No Kings” organizers call a “made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday.” The Trump administration added the parade to programming to celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday.
“No Kings is a nationwide day of defiance,” the organization wrote. “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.”
Trump warned on Tuesday that protesters are “going to be met with very big force” on Saturday, as law enforcement agencies prepared for large-scale crowds in every major city.
The “No Kings” day of defiance comes as many cities, including Los Angeles and New York City, stand up against Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) deluge of mass deportations under the Trump administration.
In April, similar anti-Trump protests emerged in more than 1,200 locations worldwide as part of the “Hands Off!” National Day of Action. The day brought out protesters who held signs against Trump’s tariffs, the firing of thousands of government workers, the dismantling of the Department of Education, extreme deportation policies, billionaire Elon Musk’s former involvement as an unelected official, and more.
Crackdowns on peaceful demonstrations have seen an uptick in recent years, as reported in Teen Vogue‘s ongoing series, United States of Suppression. From police force being used against student protesters calling for an end to the war in Gaza, to Trump sending the National Guard and Marines to LA following the ICE protests, the constitutional right to protest in the United States is under attack.
On Saturday, the signs at the “No Kings” protests also depicted the concern over Trump’s extreme policies. Here are some photos:
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