Nationwide Protests Erupt Against Trump's Military Parade

As President Trump holds a military parade in Washington, protests across the U.S. under the banner "No Kings" draw millions in opposition, focusing on issues such as immigration and presidential overreach.

Massive protests unfolded across the United States in response to President Donald Trump’s military parade in Washington, titled “No Kings.” This organized series of demonstrations aimed to critique Trump's leadership and draw attention to his controversial immigration policies, which have sparked unrest and discontent in cities nationwide.

The protests coincided with Trump's military parade—his birthday event—marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. Warnings from Trump about potential protester confrontations with "heavy force" did not deter demonstrators from gathering in cities including New York, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles, where they voiced their criticisms against his administration.

Participants rallied behind banners and flags, with many speakers, including lawmakers and activists, addressing crowds. "We need to defend our democracy," stated Karen Van Trieste, a nurse in Philadelphia, focusing on how Trump’s cuts to public health were particularly grievous.

Los Angeles saw some of the largest crowds, drawing attention to previous days of unrest due to deportation raids. Activist Jose Azetcla conveyed his concerns over immigration issues, denouncing family separations as "evil." While tensions rose, particularly in LA where tear gas was deployed, many demonstrations remained peaceful.

Despite significant public outcry, opinion polls reflect continued support for Trump’s hardline immigration policies, with a CBS/YouGov survey showing 54% approval for deporting undocumented immigrants. The protests, using the "No Kings" moniker, suggest a growing sentiment against perceived presidential overreach during his second term.

Throughout the military parade, Trump delivered remarks honoring the troops, emphasizing their resilience. Critics, however, denounced the event as an expensive "vanity project," with estimates ranging from $25 million to $45 million.

Attendance at the parade itself was lower than anticipated—partly due to inclement weather—with faithful supporters like veteran Melvin Graves expressing a desire to honor military service. The last major military parade took place in 1991 under President George HW Bush, with this manifestation a contrast reflecting current political polarization.

Amidst these sentiments, protests in Minnesota were halted following threats of violence, demonstrating the tense atmosphere surrounding these events. Governor Tim Walz recommended against attendance until the suspect in a recent shooting was apprehended.

As the nation navigates these deep divisions over policy and leadership, the "No Kings" protests illustrated a crucial moment in the ongoing dialogue around governance and the implications of Trump's approach to immigration and military displays.