By Lisa Baumann | Associated Press
Opponents of President Donald Trump’s administration are set to rally in hundreds of cities on Saturday during the military parade in Washington for the Army’s 250th anniversary — which coincides with Trump’s birthday.
The “No Kings” protests are set to take place to counter what organizers say are Trump’s plans to feed his ego on what is also his 79th birthday and Flag Day.
The Army birthday celebration had already been planned. But earlier this spring, Trump announced his intention to ratchet up the event to include 60-ton M1 Abrams battle tanks and Paladin self-propelled howitzers rolling through the city streets. He has long sought a similar display of patriotic force.
What’s happening in the Bay Area?
More than 50 individual No Kings protests are slated to take place across the Bay Area on Saturday, stretching from Gilroy north to Santa Rosa and from San Francisco east to Antioch. Protests in San Jose and Oakland are expected to draw thousands of attendees, organizers said. A full list of the protests can be viewed online.
The protests are aimed at objecting to the actions of the Trump administration and showing that “the power doesn’t lie with a would-be dictator,” said Indivisible East Bay organizer Nancy Latham.
“We are going to rise up and say, ‘No kings in America,’” Latham said. “He basically wants to arrogate all of the power to himself and his family as a king would, and he is not governing at all for the people. This is frankly a fascist regime.”
Latham added that the Oakland protest is intended to be a peaceful, family-friendly protest, complete with volunteer “peacekeepers” and extra steps to ensure the safety of attendees.
“We would be stupid to think that these actions have no risk whatsoever,” she added. “We are emphasizing non-violence and peace from beginning to end, and we expect this to be a joyful day where we stand up.”
Some cities are taking some steps to ensure the safety of protesters. Walnut Creek is making extra officers available if the need arises, but the organizers of the protest are “really good at coordinating” with the police department, said Betsy Burkhart, city communications manager. She added that the city does not expect any violence “given the nature of the protests that we have had.”
Why is it called No Kings?
The “No Kings” theme was orchestrated by the 50501 Movement, a national movement made up of everyday Americans who stand for democracy and against what they call the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration. The name 50501 stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement.
Protests earlier this year have denounced Trump and billionaire adviser Elon Musk, the now former leader of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, a government organization designed to slash federal spending. Protesters have called for Trump to be “dethroned” as they compare his actions to that of a king and not a democratically elected president.
“They’ve defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights, and slashed our services,” the group says on its website, referring to the Trump administration and its policies. “They’ve done this all while continuing to serve and enrich their billionaire allies.”
Why are they protesting on Saturday?
The No Kings Day of Defiance has been organized to reject authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics and the militarization of the country’s democracy, according to a press release from No Kings.
It is happening to counter the Army’s 250th anniversary celebration — which Trump has ratcheted up to include an expensive, lavish military parade. The event, will feature hundreds of military vehicles and aircraft and thousands of soldiers. It also happens to be his 79th birthday and Flag Day.
“The flag doesn’t belong to President Trump. It belongs to us,” the No Kings website says. “On June 14th, we’re showing up everywhere he isn’t — to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings.”
Where are the protests?
Protests in nearly 2,000 locations are scheduled around the country, from city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, according to the No Kings website.
No protests are scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., however, where the parade will be held. The group says it will “make action everywhere else the story of America that day.”
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No Kings plans instead to hold a major flagship march and rally in Philadelphia to draw a clear contrast between its people-powered movement and what they describe as the “costly, wasteful, and un-American birthday parade” in Washington, according to the No Kings website.
What is planned at the No Kings protests?
People of all ages are expected to come together in the protest locations for speeches, marching, carrying signs and waving American flags, organizers said in a call Wednesday.
On the group’s website it says a core principle behind all No Kings events is a commitment to nonviolent action, and participants are expected to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with them.
Weapons of any kind should not be brought to events, according to the website.
How many people are expected to participate?
The No Kings Day of Defiance is expected to be the largest single-day mobilization since Trump returned to office, organizers said. Organizers said they are preparing for millions of people to take to the streets across all 50 states and commonwealths.
Bay Area News Group staff writer Caelyn Pender contributed to this report.