‘No Kings’ protests: Anti-Trump erupt across US as military parade looms; officials urge calm

Tens of thousands of protesters rallied across the United States on Saturday under the banner of “No Kings,” denouncing President Donald Trump’s leadership as he prepared to headline a massive military parade in Washington to mark the Army’s 250th anniversary — which also coincides with his 79th birthday.While no demonstrations were scheduled in the capital itself, rallies swept through nearly 2,000 locations nationwide, from bustling cities to small-town parks. In Philadelphia’s Love Park — site of the flagship rally — light rain didn’t deter crowds from chanting, singing altered lyrics to “Y.M.C.A.,” and waving protest signs. Some signs read “Fight oligarchy” and “Deport the mini-Mussolinis.” Others addressed immigration with slogans like “The wrong ice is melting.”“It’s about defending democracy,” said Karen Van Trieste, a 61-year-old nurse from Maryland who returned to her hometown of Philadelphia to join the protest. “There’s just too much going wrong under this administration.”In Atlanta, the 5,000-person capacity rally outside the state Capitol quickly reached its limit, with overflow crowds spilling onto surrounding streets. A drum circle beat in front of Los Angeles City Hall, while in Charlotte, North Carolina, demonstrators shouted, “We have no kings.”

National Guard mobilised amid warnings

The 50501 Movement, organisers of the “No Kings” campaign — a nod to 50 states, 50 protests, one movement — said the effort is aimed at resisting what they describe as Trump’s “authoritarian actions.” The protests come in the wake of widespread anger over recent federal immigration raids and Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops and Marines in Los Angeles.In response, governors in Virginia, Texas, Nebraska and Missouri activated the National Guard. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin warned, “If you violate the law, you’re going to be arrested.” In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis cautioned protesters not to cross the line near Mar-a-Lago, where a march is planned. Missouri’s Mike Kehoe said his state would not “wait for chaos to ensue.”Some law enforcement agencies, such as California’s, placed their officers on tactical alert, cancelling all scheduled leave. In West Virginia, the National Guard was also put on standby.

Local officials urge restraint

Democratic governors urged protesters to remain peaceful. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said security preparations were in place for what could become a 100,000-strong crowd in Philadelphia. Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs and Washington state’s Bob Ferguson both called on protesters to avoid violence, with Ferguson warning against giving Trump a reason to deploy federal forces.In Tallahassee, Florida, around 1,000 demonstrators chanted “dissent is patriotic,” while carrying signs like “One nation under distress.” Organisers explicitly instructed crowds to avoid clashes with counterprotesters and not to obstruct traffic.Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner underscored that any illegal activity — including by immigration officers overstepping their authority — would be prosecuted. Quoting Martin Luther King Jr., he said, “If you are doing what Martin Luther King would have done, you’re going to be fine.”