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By James Bickerton
News Reporter
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President Donald Trump has responded to planned "No Kings" protests against his leadership, saying "we're not a king at all."
Demonstrations targeting him are planned nationwide on Saturday, the same day as a military parade celebrating the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary in Washington, D.C, which coincides with the president's 79th birthday.
Newsweek contacted the "No Kings" movement organizers on Friday via email outside of regular office hours.
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Why It Matters
The convergence of a high-profile military parade and widespread protests signals a sharply divided national mood on the powers and conduct of the presidency. The "No Kings" movement and simultaneous displays of military might highlight broader public concerns over democratic norms, the role of executive authority and the mobilization of dissent in the United States.
Thursday's Comments
On Thursday, Trump took questions from reporters in the White House after signing a resolution blocking California's proposed ban on the sale of new gas-powered cars from 2035.
Asked by a reporter for his thoughts on the upcoming "No Kings" protests, Trump replied: "I don't feel like a king. I have to go through hell to get stuff approved.
"A king would say 'I'm not going to get this ... he wouldn't have to call up [House Speaker] Mike Johnson and [Senate Majority Leader John] Thune and say, 'Fellas you've got to pull this off' and after years we get it done. No no, we're not a king, we're not a king at all."
A clip of the exchange was shared on X, formerly Twitter, by the White House's official Rapid Response 47 account.
'No Kings' Protest Movement
Organizers from the 50501 Movement, the name of which references "50 states, 50 protests, one movement," plan demonstrations in over 1,500 locations nationwide under the "No Kings" banner. The protests are aimed at what participants describe as "corruption" and "authoritarian" tendencies in the Trump administration, including decisions on immigration and uses of federal force in cities like Los Angeles.
Scope of Saturday's Events
The military parade in Washington, D.C., is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. local time on June 14, moving around the National Mall and featuring over 7,000 uniformed soldiers, armored vehicles, marching bands, and a fireworks display according to the military. Army officials estimated the cost of the parade at between $25 million and $45 million, with a portion of funds earmarked for repairing city streets to accommodate heavy military equipment.
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Symbolism and Timing
The "No Kings" protests were deliberately set to coincide with Flag Day and the U.S. Army anniversary parade, as well as Trump's birthday. According to organizers, the juxtaposition is intended to protest not only policy decisions but also the public display of military power, which critics argue politicizes the armed forces.
In February, the White House shared what appeared to be an artificial intelligence (AI)-generated image of Trump wearing a crown along with the caption "Long Live The King."
Background of Mobilization
The movement has roots in previous demonstrations this year, particularly surrounding immigration enforcement and the deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles—an action California Governor Gavin Newsom opposed. Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that more than 5,000 state National Guard troops would be stationed in cities such as San Antonio and Austin in response to anticipated protests.
On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer ruled against the Trump administration's move to take control over part of the California National Guard to facilitate their deployment in Los Angeles. The judge instructed the administration to "return control of the California National Guard to Governor Newsom." Later on Thursday, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday temporarily blocked the federal judge's order.
Military Parade History
The last major U.S. military parade occurred in 1991 under President George H. W. Bush to celebrate the end of the Gulf War. Prior parades were held during significant historical events, including after World War II.
What People Are Saying
Speaking with Newsweek, Lorella Praeli, a co-president of Community Change Action, which is backing Saturday's protest, said: "Look around—Trump and his allies are deploying the tools of authoritarianism: silencing dissent, targeting immigrants, punishing oversight, and even staging military displays for personal glorification. These aren't isolated incidents; they're part of a broader effort to delegitimize democratic norms.
"This isn't normal. It's manufactured chaos, designed to instill fear and consolidate power. When a sitting U.S. Senator is handcuffed for asking a question, it should be a five-alarm fire for anyone who believes in democracy. We have to name this moment for what it is—and organize with the clarity and courage it demands."
Mark Shanahan, an American politics expert who teaches at the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom, told Newsweek: "Coming after Trump's federalizing of the National Guard in Los Angeles, it is no surprise that the opposition to the President of the United States' overt shift towards autocracy is set to shift to very visible and, one hopes, peaceful demonstrations across the country this weekend. This citizen-led movement is reminiscent to the P****hat protests of early 2017, although the protestors will be hoping their presence on the streets will have a more lasting and tangible impact as politicians across the country turn their attentions to the Midterm elections long campaign."
He added: "How many people turn out for the 1800 planned protests will be fascinating and an indication to the strength of opposition to Trump's hardline policies on immigration and law and order. For 249 years the USA really hasn't tolerated kings or tyranny, yet this president continues to push ever-harder at those Constitutional barriers. His military parade is more reminiscent of the exercises in hubris and vanity often seen in Moscow and Pyongyang."
On its website, the "No Kings" movement states: "On June 14—Flag Day—President Trump wants tanks in the street and a made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday. A spectacle meant to look like strength. But real power isn't staged in Washington. It rises up everywhere else.
"No Kings is a nationwide day of defiance. From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, we're taking action to reject authoritarianism—and show the world what democracy really looks like ... On June 14th, we're showing up everywhere he isn't—to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings."
President Donald Trump on Truth Social: "We're honoring the 250th anniversary of the greatest fighting force in history, the United States Army. We will celebrate a spectacular military parade in Washington DC, like no other.
"For two and a half centuries, the men and women of America's army have dominated our enemies and protected our freedom at home. This parade salutes our soldiers' remarkable strength and unbeatable spirit. You won't want to miss it! Just don't miss this one. It's gonna be good."
He added: "I'm going to be there. I'll be watching the entire event. It's gonna be something very, very special."
What Happens Next
Authorities in several cities are preparing for large crowds and heightened security for the military parade and the "No King" protests, while organizers maintain plans for peaceful protest.
Update 6/13/25, 8:15 a.m. ET: This story has been updated to include comment from Shanahan.
Update 6/14/25, 4:10 a.m. ET: This story has been updated with comment from Community Change Action co-president Lorella Praeli.
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