In cities like New York, tens of thousands of left-handed “king” protesters filled the streets on what they called “rebellious days,” coinciding with a military parade celebrating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary in Washington, DC, which some viewed as an indirect protest against President Trump.
According to police reports, there were no major incidents or arrests in New York City, where the demonstrations kicked off around noon across various boroughs. Organizers of the “No Kings” movement claimed that millions participated nationwide, but it was difficult to verify those numbers.
Lisa Doula, a 53-year-old resident of Jersey City, shared her concerns. Speaking at Bryant Park, she expressed the urgency of protests, saying, “With the possibility of troops being sent against civilians, we really need to make our voices heard,” alluding to recent National Guard deployments in response to civil unrest.
The protesters made their discontent clear, criticizing Trump for celebrating his 79th birthday amid festivities. They accused the government of authoritarianism, voicing disdain over the display of patriotism on what should have been a day for reflection.
Trump has often expressed admiration for large military parades, drawing inspirations from events in other countries. After his election in 2016, he even attempted to stage a tank-filled parade in Washington but had to abandon the idea due to local officials’ concerns.
The planning for the Army’s 250th anniversary parade had taken nearly two years and marked the first major military event in DC in over three decades.
Chants echoed through New York: “Fascists are not welcome here!” and “No king, no Trump!” Protesters held up signs denouncing Trump’s leadership, calling attention to perceived abuses of power and authoritarian tendencies. One protester passionately declared, “We are standing together against dictatorship.”
Others voiced their unease, with sentiments like, “I’m a citizen, but I simply cannot follow,” emphasizing the anxiety many felt under Trump’s governance.
Many protesters echoed similar frustrations. Dan Filler, a 52-year-old lawyer, held a sign advocating for democracy and stating that, “Trump is trying to silence all opposition. That’s unacceptable in a democracy.” He expressed the sentiment that while Trump had his parade, true democracy should not entertain authoritarianism.
New York City Police Department officers observed the crowds, maintaining a presence to ensure order.
Becky, 67, from Montclair, New Jersey, remarked on the abundance of signs, saying, “There are simply too many signs today.” Meanwhile, the 50501 movement coordinated multiple protests across the country, mobilizing communities against various issues, with support from several left-wing organizations.
There were concerns in Minnesota where planned protests were scrapped after a violent incident that injured several officials. Some of the protests faced disruption, including the appearance of counter-demonstrators supporting Trump.
Despite organized efforts for “No Kings,” smaller gatherings also took place in Washington, D.C., even after official plans to avoid confrontation with the military events.
Before the demonstrations, Trump defended himself against accusations of acting like a king. “I don’t feel like one. I have to fight hard to get things done,” he told reporters, insisting that he did not have the power of a monarch.
“We are not kings,” he concluded.
