Nationwide Public Demonstrations Opposing Trump Presidency
In a monumental display of dissent, US citizens took to the streets across the nation, orchestrating the largest protests against President Donald Trump's policies yet, with more than 1,500 cities participating on a day extrememly significant to the President - his 79th birthday and the day of his military parade in Washington.
Organizers of these "No Kings" protests claimed participation of over five million individuals, proudly proclaiming their stance against Trump's perceived authoritarian behavior and his hardline immigration policies. Unfortunately, riots erupted in select cities, including Los Angeles and New York, resulting in arrests and the use of tear gas to quell the chaos.
Although the protests took a violent turn in some places, overall, the demonstrations remained peaceful. In downtown Los Angeles, the situation escalated in the late afternoon, as tear gas was deployed outside a government building to disperse an unruly crowd that had been hurling stones and bottles. In New York, several protesters were taken into custody, as CNN reported. The violence in Minnesota prompted the cancelation of a planned protest after Democrats were targeted in attacks.
In a stark contrast to the unrest, Trump highlighted America's military prowess with a grand military parade in Washington. The parade, however, was met with opposition, with a majority of US citizens expressing disapproval, while support for it came primarily from the Republican Party. Despite the controversy, Trump celebrated his 79th birthday in dominant fashion, surrounded by displays of military might.
Protesters mobilized in New York, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles, among other cities. "This is what democracy looks like" became a common chant among marchers, who called for Trump's impeachment and criticized the actions of the immigration police, ICE. Many signs showcased slogans like, "If I wanted a dictator, I'd ask my cat."
In San Francisco and Oakland, thousands gathered for protest marches, spurred on by the likes of celebrities such as actor Mark Ruffalo and TV host Jimmy Kimmel. Despite the turbulent atmosphere and occasional outbursts of frustration, municipal leaders reiterated calls for peaceful protests to protect both demonstrators and their rights.
While no "No Kings" events were scheduled in Washington, D.C., a smaller protest was organized by the group "Refuse Fascism." This gathering was met with counter-protests, as some individuals chose to express their support for the President, wishing him a happy birthday. National Guard members assigned to protect buildings and officials acknowledged the residents' frustrations, emphasizing their commitment to upholding the First Amendment rights to peaceful assembly.
- https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/14/us/politics/trump-protests-june-14-military-parade.html
- https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/14/trump-protests-062092
- The wave of dissent against President Donald Trump's policies, exemplified by the "No Kings" protests, extended to various cities across the nation, with significant demonstrations in New York, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and more.
- The political landscape was punctuated by the juxtaposition of the "No Kings" protests, accompanied by calls for Trump's impeachment and criticisms of ICE, and the counter-protests supporting the President, particularly in Washington D.C., as the general-news Headlines revealed.
