Millions protest Trump’s parade nationwide, citing fears of authoritarianism and political violence.
Massive anti-Trump protests erupt nationwide as military show of force
draws global attention.
Washington, United States — As tanks rolled through the capital in a
show of presidential power not seen since wartime America, millions of citizens
flooded streets across all 50 states in defiance. On Saturday, June 14, the “No
Kings” protests—organized by a national coalition of more than 100
groups—mobilized demonstrators in over 2,000 cities and towns to oppose what
they called the "authoritarian drift" of Donald Trump's administration.
The peaceful, coordinated resistance came as the president held a controversial
military parade in Washington, while deploying Marines and National Guard units
in cities like Los Angeles and Houston.
The largest protest events unfolded in New York, Philadelphia, and
Chicago, where crowds swelled to the hundreds of thousands. In New York City
alone, organizers estimated more than 200,000 people filled streets from
Central Park to Union Square. Meanwhile, the message echoed in rural
communities—400 people marched in Pentwater, Michigan, a town with just 800
residents.
The name “No Kings” carried a pointed reference: a rejection of the
symbolism surrounding the military parade, which critics called a personal
spectacle for Trump amid rising concerns over executive overreach.
In Los Angeles, demonstrators gathered early near City Hall wrapped in
American flags, directly countering recent right-wing attacks on the presence
of Mexican banners at immigration protests. By afternoon, crowds shifted to the
Wilshire Federal Building, where chants of “Leave LA!” rang out toward National
Guard troops stationed outside.
Despite widespread calls for nonviolence, tensions escalated in some
locations. In Portland, Oregon, federal agents fired tear gas after protesters
allegedly attempted to breach an ICE facility. In San Francisco, a driver
plowed into a group of demonstrators, injuring four. Authorities labeled the
injuries non-life-threatening, but the incident reignited concerns over
permissive vehicular self-defense laws in GOP-led states.
In Texas, a “credible threat” targeting lawmakers attending the protest
led to heightened security measures. Governor Greg Abbott, already under
scrutiny for activating the National Guard, warned that any signs of “mob
action” would be met with force. In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis
controversially stated that drivers surrounded by protesters could "defend
themselves"—comments condemned by civil rights groups as incitement.
Tragically, the day was marked by political violence. In Minnesota,
Democratic State Senator Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in a
targeted shooting. Fellow lawmaker John Hoffman was wounded in the same
incident. Authorities classified the attack as politically motivated, urging
caution amid ongoing demonstrations.
Still, the state capitol in St. Paul saw thousands turn out. Many
carried signs honoring the slain officials. One demonstrator, Perry McGowan,
held a placard adorned with the names “Melissa and John” inside a red heart.
“This is about standing up for decency,” he said. “Violence won't silence the
people.”
The protest coalition intentionally skipped Washington DC to avoid a
direct confrontation with the heavily militarized parade. Instead, a local
group hosted “DC Joy Day,” a festival celebrating unity and resilience without
political messaging.
Meanwhile, a smaller group—Refuse Fascism—marched toward the White
House. Among them was Army veteran Chris Yeazel, who said Trump's recent speech
at Fort Bragg, praised for its partisan tone, compelled him to act. “This is
the nation’s capital,” Yeazel said. “This is exactly where we need to protest.”
Philadelphia's Love Park was another flashpoint of emotion and
resistance. Victor, an Argentine immigrant and longtime resident, carried a
hand-painted sign depicting Trump as a pig. “This country gave me a chance,” he
said. “Trump wants to take that away from others.”
As dusk fell, the LAPD declared parts of downtown Los Angeles an
“unlawful assembly” and used tear gas and foam bullets to disperse stragglers.
In contrast to the morning’s family-friendly rallies, the evening crowd
featured more masked protesters and tension.
The “No Kings” coalition reported protests in all 50 states, as well as
sympathy marches in Berlin, Toronto, and Mexico City. The movement’s
messaging—“We are not ruled. We are represented.”—spread virally on social
media.
Since Trump’s second term began, grassroots resistance has intensified.
The Harvard Crowd Counting Consortium reported protest activity in 2025 has
already tripled compared to 2017. April's “Hands Off” protest drew over 1.5
million, but June 14 may become the largest single-day mobilization of the
decade.
Trump, speaking Thursday at a White House garden event, denied any
desire to act like a monarch. “I don’t feel like a king,” he said. “I have to
go through hell to get things approved.”
Yet critics see the military parade, the troop deployments, and the tone
of his rhetoric as signs of a deeper shift.
And for millions of Americans this weekend, the response was clear: the
streets belong to the people, not the crown.
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