Mass protests erupted in towns and cities across the United States as part of a coordinated initiative titled "No Kings," coinciding with President Trump's military parade in Washington D.C. The demonstrations come in response to weeks of protests against Trump’s controversial immigration policies, with participants voicing their dissatisfaction and advocating for democratic principles.
The military parade, which celebrated the 250th anniversary of the US Army and also marked Trump's birthday, was met with organized protests in major cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Houston. Participants carried American flags and signs critical of the president's actions. Trump had previously warned that any protests at the parade would face "heavy force."
According to organizers, thousands of protests with millions of participants took place, with significant turnouts in cities such as Philadelphia's Love Park. "We need to defend our democracy," said Karen Van Trieste, a nurse who expressed concerns over Trump's staffing cuts to public health agencies.
In Los Angeles, one of the largest protest sites, crowd tensions escalated with confrontations between demonstrators and National Guard troops deployed by Trump against Governor Gavin Newsom's wishes. Activists like Jose Azetcla highlighted family separation as a major driving force behind their presence on the streets, stating, "It's not harsh, it's evil."
Despite the extensive protests, opinion polls indicate general public support for Trump's immigration policies, with a CBS/YouGov survey showing that 54% of Americans approve of his deportation plans for unauthorized immigrants. Criticism of Trump’s exercise of presidential power was reflected in the "No Kings" protest title.
During the parade, Trump saluted as thousands of uniformed soldiers, vehicles, and bands marched past. He thanked military personnel for their service, stating, “Our soldiers never give up. They fight, fight, fight. And they win, win, win.” Yet, the event faced scrutiny, deemed by some as a costly vanity project with an estimated price tag of $25 million to $45 million.
Attendee Melvin Graves underscored the purposed honor of military service in his attendance, while others expressed mixed feelings, noting the unusual context of soldiers parading while simultaneously, military troops dealt with protests abroad. As the clashes, some involving tear gas, highlighted the tense atmosphere, security experts acknowledged the complicated dynamics at play amid current immigration debates.
In Minnesota, several protest events were canceled after a local political tragedy, though thousands still gathered, indicating relentless public sentiment against policies perceived as harmful.
