Tens of thousands of demonstrators filled streets across the United States on Saturday in a coordinated wave of protests against President Donald Trump, timed to coincide with a military parade held in Washington, DC.
Branded “No Kings,” the protests spanned cities including New York, Philadelphia, Houston and Los Angeles. Organizers said hundreds of events were held, drawing millions to oppose what they describe as Trump’s authoritarian use of power in his second term.
The demonstrations came in response to a rare military parade staged on the president’s birthday and in honor of the US Army’s 250th anniversary. Trump, flanked by tanks and marching bands, stood in salute and declared, “They fight, fight, fight. And they win, win, win.”
But critics said the parade resembled a political spectacle rather than a tribute to service. The event’s estimated cost of up to $45 million drew rebukes from lawmakers and former military leaders, who called it an unnecessary display amid domestic unrest.
Protesters voiced concern over Trump’s immigration policies, particularly a new wave of deportation raids. In Los Angeles, where tensions had already been high, National Guard troops clashed with demonstrators near the Federal Building. Tear gas was deployed, though large groups nearby continued their march peacefully.
“This is about defending democracy,” said Karen Van Trieste, a nurse protesting in Philadelphia. “When you gut public health and tear families apart, people rise up.”
Polling suggests a majority of Americans still support Trump’s immigration approach. A CBS/YouGov survey last week showed 54% in favor of deporting undocumented immigrants, with 53% believing the focus remains on criminals.
The protest movement’s name, “No Kings,” reflects growing alarm over what critics call Trump’s disregard for constitutional limits on executive power. Despite the president’s warning of “heavy force” against protesters near the parade, most events unfolded without major incident.
In Washington, veterans and their families gathered for the parade, many of them separating the politics from the celebration. Vietnam War veteran Melvin Graves said, “We never got a parade. This is for all of us who served.”
While the crowd at the capital was smaller than expected—dampened by rain and public criticism—some attendees welcomed the rare show of recognition for military personnel.
Still, analysts noted a troubling overlap. “There’s an unsettling contrast between honoring troops in one city and using them to police protests in another,” said security analyst Barbara Starr.
In Minnesota, some protests were cancelled after flyers were linked to a man accused of killing a state lawmaker and her husband. Governor Tim Walz urged caution, though thousands still took to the streets.
As the country grapples with sharp political divides, Saturday’s demonstrations showed that opposition to Trump remains deeply mobilized—just as his policies continue to draw support from a substantial portion of the electorate.
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