 "‘No Kings’ protests: As Trump gets military parade, Americans rally against ‘creeping authoritarianism’")
As President Donald Trump prepares to mark his 79th birthday with a grand military parade in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, millions across the United States are expected to participate in nationwide “No Kings” protests. The demonstrations coincide with celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and are fuelled by growing opposition to Trump’s recent deployment of federal forces in California.
The protests follow a week of unrest sparked by anti-immigration raids in Los Angeles, where Trump ordered the deployment of the National Guard and US Marines despite objections from California Governor Gavin Newsom. Demonstrations have since spread to major cities including New York, Chicago, San Antonio and Atlanta, and are expected to swell in size today as public anger grows.
In Atlanta, thousands gathered at Liberty Plaza, adjacent to the Georgia State Capitol, for a No Kings rally. According to the Associated Press, the American Civil Liberties Union handed out blue wristbands to monitor attendance in the 5,000-capacity space. The crowd, which included families and older Americans, waved US flags and held signs expressing frustration with the administration.
One protester, Taylar W who declined to share her full name held a sign that read, “When cruelty becomes normal, compassion looks radical.” She told AP, “There’s just so much going on in this country that’s not OK, and if no one speaks up about it, who will?”
Meanwhile, Trump’s military parade in Washington is set to feature an elaborate display of military might, including 6,600 soldiers, 50 helicopters, and M1 Abrams tanks weighing 60 tons. Up to 200,000 spectators are expected to attend, with heightened security in place for the event.
While the president spotlights military strength, critics are using the No Kings protests to push back against what they see as ‘creeping authoritarianism’ and federal overreach. The contrast between celebration and dissent reflects deepening political divides ahead of the 2024 election season.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsHere’s the Latest:
The tanks are staged and ready to roll. Fencing and barriers are up. Protective metal plating has been laid out on Washington’s streets.
And more than 6,000 troops are poised to march near the National Mall to honor the Army’s 250th anniversary on Saturday, which happens to be President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.
One big unknown: Rain is in the forecast and lightning could cause delays, but the White House said the parade must go one, rain or shine. And Trump said Thursday night that the weather “doesn’t matter … Doesn’t affect the tanks at all. Doesn’t affect the soldiers. They’re used to it.”
Daylong festivities celebrating the Army are planned on the National Mall — featuring NFL players, fitness competitions and displays — culminating in the parade, which is estimated to cost $25 million to $45 million. The Army expects as many as 200,000 people to attend.
A special reviewing area is being set up so that the president can watch up close as each formation passes the White House.
Cities large and small were preparing for major demonstrations Saturday across the U.S. against Trump, as officials urge calm and National Guard troops mobilize.
A flagship “No Kings” march and rally are planned in Philadelphia, but no events are scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C.
The demonstrations come on the heels of protests flaring up around the country over federal immigration enforcement raids that began last week and Trump ordering National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles where protesters blocked a freeway and set cars on fire.
Police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets and flash-bang grenades while officials enforced curfews in Los Angeles and Democratic governors called Trump’s Guard deployment “an alarming abuse of power” that “shows the Trump administration does not trust local law enforcement.”
The massive military parade that President Trump has long wanted is set to step off from the Lincoln Memorial on Saturday evening, with tanks, bands and thousands of troops.
And the biggest question marks are whether it will be overshadowed or delayed by either the weather in Washington or planned protests elsewhere around the country.
Falling on Trump’s 79th birthday, the parade was added just a few weeks ago to the Army’s long-planned 250th anniversary celebration. It has triggered criticism for its price tag of up to $45 million and the possibility that the lumbering tanks could tear up city streets. The Army has taken a variety of steps to protect the streets, including laying metal plates down along the route.
The daylong display of America’s Army comes as Trump has shown his willingness to use his fighting forces in ways other U.S. presidents have typically avoided, inviting an array of lawsuits and accusations that he is politicizing the military.
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
