Millions Set to Join 'No Kings' Protests Across U.S. Against Trump’s Authoritarian Moves

Millions of Americans are expected to flood streets across the United States this Saturday in what organizers are calling the “No Kings” protests — a massive national show of opposition to President Donald Trump’s increasingly authoritarian actions. Demonstrations are scheduled at approximately 2,000 locations nationwide, intentionally coinciding with Trump’s planned military parade and his birthday, in a symbolic stand against what critics view as his anti-democratic tendencies.

Protesters outside Fox News in New York City on 3 June 2025. Photograph: Gina M Randazzo/Zuma Press Wire/

Grassroots Momentum Swells After Military Deployment

The protest movement has rapidly gained momentum following Trump’s controversial decision to deploy the National Guard and U.S. Marine Corps troops to Los Angeles, allegedly to suppress mostly peaceful protests over a spike in deportations. Organizers say that action — viewed by many as a dangerous overreach — has galvanized Americans of all backgrounds.

“We’ve seen hundreds of new events pop up on the No Kings Day map just since the weekend,” said Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, one of the primary groups organizing the protests. “Hundreds of thousands have now registered to participate. This is a national outcry.”

A Decentralized Strategy to Undermine Trump’s Narrative

Deliberately, the “No Kings” protests are avoiding the nation's capital. Organizers chose not to stage a major protest in Washington D.C. to avoid giving Trump an opportunity to label the movement as anti-military. Instead, the flagship march will take place in Philadelphia, and a separate “DC Joy Day” will highlight the local community, culture, and resilience without confronting the military parade directly.

“We didn’t want to give him the excuse to crack down in D.C.,” Levin explained. “We’re protesting everywhere else to show that resistance is embedded in every corner of this country.”

Protesters Demand End to Corruption, Deportations, and Authoritarianism

The protest’s message is clear and direct: “No thrones. No crowns. No kings.” Aimed squarely at what organizers say is Trump’s blatant disregard for judicial checks, civil rights, and democratic norms, the protests span the political spectrum and geographic divide. From small towns to major metropolises, demonstrators are expected to demand an end to mass deportations, judicial defiance, and the slashing of social services.

In Los Angeles — where the military presence remains — organizers are especially focused on ICE and federal intervention. “It’s more explicitly a protest against authoritarianism and fascism,” said Hunter Dunn of 50501, a decentralized protest network. “We’re actively under attack by our government.”

Protesters Trained, Security Ramped Up Amid Threats

Given recent events, organizers are prioritizing protester safety. More than 18,000 people joined a “know your rights” training call hosted by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), reflecting concerns about security, especially for immigrants with green cards or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status.

Tactics for de-escalation, legal support, and medical readiness are being distributed across social media and organizer networks. “If someone’s legal status is at risk, we encourage them to ask five neighbors to attend on their behalf,” Dunn advised. “Solidarity is our shield.”

Trump Responds with Dismissal and Warnings

President Trump, when asked about the protests, dismissed them: “I don’t feel like a king. I have to go through hell to get things approved.” In contrast, earlier in the week he warned protesters would be met with “very big force,” a statement his press secretary later softened, affirming that the President supports peaceful protest.

Critics say Trump is repeating the tactics of strongmen: escalating crises, invoking military force, and framing dissent as disloyalty. "He’s overplaying his hand," Levin noted. "That’s why this protest is turning into one of the largest catalytic events of his presidency."

Legacy of Resistance and the Long Game

From St. Paul, Minnesota — where George Floyd’s death sparked global uprisings in 2020 — to rural counties organizing for the first time, Americans are preparing to show up in numbers. Heather Friedli, one of the Minnesota organizers, emphasized how past tragedies forged lasting community bonds. “We’re stronger now. Ready. This is bigger than Trump. This is about defending democracy.”

The protest organizers remain clear-eyed about their goals. “Do we save democracy in a day? No,” said Levin. “But we’re building the muscle of resistance. Saturday is a big workout — a tactic in a longer strategy to protect our democracy.”

As the nation watches, the streets — not the parade grounds — may be where the most powerful message is delivered.