Protests have swept across the United States as thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets in opposition to President Donald Trump’s military parade and his controversial immigration policies. The protests, coordinated under the banner of the “No Kings” movement, have captured national attention, with demonstrations held in major cities including Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, and Houston. The protests were sparked by the extravagant display of military strength in Washington, D.C., as well as the ongoing frustration over Trump’s hardline stance on immigration.
The protests began on Saturday, June 14, when President Trump held a highly publicized military parade to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States Army. The parade, which coincided with Trump’s 79th birthday, was intended to showcase America’s military might. Thousands of troops, vehicles, and military aircraft participated, including tanks, missile carriers, and marching bands. The event, which many saw as a show of strength, has sparked heated debate over the costs and motives behind such a display. While some participants in the parade viewed it as a much-needed acknowledgment of the military, others saw it as a political stunt, fueling existing tensions within the country.
In the days leading up to the parade, protests erupted across the nation in response to the Trump administration’s immigration policies, which have been characterized as harsh and discriminatory by many of his opponents. Trump’s recent actions, including a crackdown on undocumented immigration and controversial deportation raids, have drawn ire from a large section of the population, especially immigrants and their advocates. Protests over these policies have been ongoing, but the military parade served as the flashpoint for a fresh wave of demonstrations.
In Los Angeles, one of the largest gatherings took place, where protesters voiced their anger over Trump’s immigration policies and the presence of National Guard troops in California. The protests turned tense as clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement escalated, with reports of tear gas being used to disperse the crowd. The protests were, at times, violent, especially near government buildings. Law enforcement had been on high alert due to the size of the protests and the potential for violence. Thousands of protesters flooded the streets in what they called a “day of resistance,” drawing attention to the ongoing deportation raids that have terrorized immigrant communities.
Protesters in Philadelphia, New York, and Houston also organized rallies, calling for an end to the president’s immigration policies and criticizing the lavish military parade as a waste of taxpayer money. In Philadelphia, a large group gathered at Love Park, where they were addressed by union leaders, activists, and lawmakers. “I just feel like we need to defend our democracy,” said Karen Van Trieste, a 61-year-old nurse, who was among the demonstrators. “Trump’s cuts to public health agencies are just one of the reasons I’m here. He’s undermining everything this country stands for.”
Despite the violence, the protests were largely peaceful in many places, with demonstrators marching through streets, waving American flags and holding placards that criticized the president’s policies and actions. The protests were intended to highlight the growing frustration among a large portion of the population who feel that the government under Trump’s leadership is not responsive to the needs of marginalized communities.
In Los Angeles, tensions reached their peak after National Guard troops, deployed by the president to assist with border security, clashed with protesters. As protests raged on, a member of the civil rights group Brown Berets, Jose Azetcla, spoke to the BBC, condemning the separation of families under Trump’s immigration policies. “It’s not harsh; it’s evil. You don’t separate families,” he said. “We have to fight against this.”
Despite a vocal minority of supporters, Trump’s policies and his handling of the protests have increasingly become a point of division. Polling has shown a growing dissatisfaction with Trump’s approach to immigration, though it remains broadly supported by certain demographics. A CBS/YouGov poll last week found that 54% of Americans approve of Trump’s policy to deport immigrants who are in the US illegally, while 46% disapprove. However, a large number of those opposed to his policies view his actions as a direct assault on human rights.
The “No Kings” movement, a name which symbolizes the belief that no leader, including Trump, should be above reproach or power, has gained considerable momentum in recent months. Protesters have been vocal about their belief that Trump’s actions, especially regarding immigration, represent an overreach of presidential power. They argue that the president’s authoritarian tendencies undermine the core principles of democracy and equality. The movement seeks to hold the government accountable for its policies and to push for reforms that prioritize social justice, dignity, and respect for all people.
The term “No Kings” has become synonymous with the protests, reflecting the movement’s rejection of Trump’s policies and leadership style. The message is clear: no one should be treated as a king or ruler, especially in a democracy. This sentiment was echoed in speeches across the country, where protesters gathered to voice their concerns over the president’s approach to governance.
In Washington, D.C., where the military parade took place, a smaller but vocal group of protesters gathered outside the event, chanting and holding signs calling for an end to Trump’s policies. The military parade, which featured thousands of troops and military vehicles, cost an estimated $25 million to $45 million, according to the U.S. Army. Critics argue that the funds used for the parade could have been better spent on domestic programs or humanitarian efforts.
Some observers viewed the parade as a public relations exercise to boost Trump’s image and consolidate his political base. For others, the event served as a reminder of the deep divisions within the country and the increasing militarization of public life. The parade’s timing on Trump’s birthday added an extra layer of symbolism, with some viewing it as a celebration of his presidency rather than a tribute to the military.
In response to the protests, President Trump warned that any disruption of the parade would be met with “heavy force.” This statement only fueled the tension, adding fuel to the fire for demonstrators who felt that the government was using excessive force to suppress dissent. For many, the parade symbolized not just military power but also the authoritarian grip that the president was believed to be exerting over the country.
The protests and the ensuing political debate have sparked a larger conversation about the future of American democracy and the role of the military in civilian life. While some see Trump’s actions as a necessary assertion of national strength, others view it as a dangerous precedent for the erosion of civil liberties and democratic norms.
In the days following the parade, protests continued across the country, with renewed energy and calls for change. Despite the violence that marked some of the demonstrations, the overarching message remained one of unity and resistance. Protesters, many of whom are immigrants or part of marginalized communities, have vowed to keep fighting for justice and human rights. They are determined to continue standing up against what they perceive as a government that prioritizes power over people.
As the nation grapples with the consequences of these protests, it is clear that the issues at the heart of the movement—immigration, racial justice, and the fight against authoritarianism—are far from resolved. The “No Kings” protests have highlighted a growing rift between the American people and their leadership, and the coming months may prove crucial in determining the future direction of the country.
