'No Kings' protests: What to know about the June 14 rallies against Trump

No Kings: What to know

This Saturday, June 14, is set to be the largest mass protest of President Donald Trump's second term so far.

June 14 is a notable day for many reasons. In the United States, the day is known as Flag Day, commemorating the adoption of the U.S. flag on that day in 1777. It's the anniversary of the Army's founding, which will have happened 250 years ago this year. It's Donald Trump's 79th birthday.

It will also be marked by the largest mass mobilization of protests and rallies since Trump's second term started in January.

In celebration of Flag Day, the Army's anniversary, and his birthday, Trump has planned a large-scale military parade for Saturday through the streets of Washington, D.C. The parade will reportedly include over 6,000 soldiers, 49 aircraft, and 128 vehicles, including tanks, 25 horses, two mules, and a dog in "a spectacular military parade in Washington, D.C., like no other," according to an Instagram video posted by Trump.

That won't be the only significant event that day. Across the country, and in a few places in Mexico and Canada, people are organizing No Kings protests and rallies in response to what many see as an increase in authoritarian power grabs and overreach from the current administration. Over 2,000 No Kings protests and rallies are scheduled for June 14. Here's what you should know about them.

What are the No Kings protests about?

The No Kings movement is in direct response to actions taken by the Trump administration that many see as corrupt, authoritarian, and morally wrong.

"They’ve defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights, and slashed our services," the movement's website reads. "The corruption has gone too far. No thrones. No crowns. No kings."

The protests are being held on the June 14 to counterbalance Trump's military parade in Washington, D.C., which is seen by many as another sign of his administration's excess and corruption. Organizers are calling for the protests to be peaceful.

"No Kings is a nationwide day of defiance," the website says. "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."

Are the No Kings protests tied to immigration raids and ICE?

While the No Kings protests aren't directly related to the anti-ICE protests over recent immigration raids in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, the raids are an important issue to the movement.

"Whether you're outraged by attacks on civil rights, skyrocketing costs, abductions and disappearances, the gutting of essential services, or the assault on free speech — this moment is for you," the website says, referencing mass arrests made by ICE agents in workplace raids in areas like the LA Fashion District.

Where are No Kings protests?

There are over 2,000 No Kings protests planned across the United States, with a few also scheduled to take place in Canada and Mexico. To find out where the closest one is, check out the movement's map.

What are Donald Trump's plans for June 14?

Trump will be in Washington, D.C., celebrating his birthday with a large military parade, something he has wanted to do since his first term as president.

Will there be a No Kings protest in Washington, D.C.?

No, there will not be a No Kings protest in the nation's capital. According to the movement's website, it is avoiding Washington, D.C., because that is where Trump's parade will be.

"Instead of allowing this birthday parade to be the center of gravity, we will make action everywhere else the story of America that day: people coming together in communities across the country to reject strongman politics and corruption," it says.

Instead, No Kings is hosting a large march and rally in Philadelphia in an attempt "to draw a clear contrast between our people-powered movement and the costly, wasteful, and un-American birthday parade in Washington."

What has Donald Trump said about the protests?

Trump has said that he has no patience for anyone who wants to protest the parade in the capital. "If there’s any protester that wants to come out, they will be met with very big force," Trump said, per NBC News. "I haven’t even heard about a protest, but you know, this is people that hate our country, but they will be met with very heavy force."