Opponents of President Donald Trump's administration are scheduled to rally in hundreds of cities Saturday during the military parade in Washington for the Army's 250th anniversary — which coincides with Trump's birthday.
The "No Kings" protests are scheduled to take place to counter what organizers say are Trump's plans to feed his ego on what is also his 79th birthday and Flag Day.
The Army birthday celebration already was planned, but this spring, Trump announced his intention to ratchet up the event to include 60-ton M1 Abrams battle tanks and Paladin self-propelled howitzers rolling through the city streets. He has long sought a similar display of patriotic force.
People take part in the Feb. 17Â "No Kings Day" protest on Presidents Day near the Capitol in Washington.Â
No Kings
The "No Kings" theme was orchestrated by the 50501 Movement, an organization that stands for democracy and against what they call the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration. The name 50501 stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement.
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Protests this year denounced Trump and billionaire adviser Elon Musk, the now former leader of Trump's Department of Government Efficiency, a government organization designed to slash federal spending. Protesters called for Trump to be "dethroned" as they compare his actions to that of a king and not a democratically elected president.
"They've defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights, and slashed our services," the group says on its website, referring to the Trump administration and its policies. "They've done this all while continuing to serve and enrich their billionaire allies."
An American flag is flown upside down during the Feb. 17Â "No Kings Day" protest on Presidents Day near the Capitol in Washington.Â
Why Saturday?
The No Kings Day of Defiance was organized to reject authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics and the militarization of the country's democracy, according to a news release from No Kings.
It is happening to counter the Army's 250th anniversary celebration — which Trump ratcheted up to include an expensive, lavish military parade. The event will feature hundreds of military vehicles and aircraft and thousands of soldiers. It's also his 79th birthday and Flag Day.
"The flag doesn't belong to President Trump. It belongs to us," the No Kings website says. "On June 14th, we're showing up everywhere he isn't — to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings."
Where are the protests?
Protests in almost 2,000 locations are scheduled around the country, from city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, according to the No Kings website.
No protests are scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., however, where the parade will be held. The group says it will "make action everywhere else the story of America that day."
No Kings plans instead to hold a major flagship march and rally in Philadelphia to draw a clear contrast between its people-powered movement and what they describe as the "costly, wasteful, and un-American birthday parade" in Washington, according to the No Kings website.
A demonstrator holds up a sign during the Feb. 17Â "No Kings Day" protest on Presidents Day on Capitol Hill in Washington.Â
What is planned?
People are expected to come together in the protest locations for speeches, marching, carrying signs and waving American flags, organizers said in a call Wednesday.
On the group's website it says a core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action, and participants are expected to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with them.
Weapons of any kind should not be brought to events, according to the website.
The No Kings Day of Defiance is expected to be the largest single-day mobilization since Trump returned to office, organizers said. Organizers said they are preparing for millions of people to take to the streets across all 50 states and commonwealths.
