no kings protest what is it

The "No Kings" protests were a series of large-scale demonstrations held primarily in the United States on June 14, 2025. They were organized to protest against the second presidency of Donald Trump, focusing on what participants and organizers saw as his increasingly authoritarian and undemocratic policies. The protests were held on the same day as Trump's 79th birthday and the 250th Anniversary Parade of the U.S. Army, which some critics viewed as a militaristic display reminiscent of authoritarian regimes. The name "No Kings" symbolizes opposition to Trump's self-styled image as a "king" rather than a democratically elected president. Protesters called for the defense of democracy, people's rights, and liberties against what they described as abuses of power, authoritarianism, fear-mongering, and billionaire-first politics. Organizers and participants urged that Trump be "dethroned," highlighting concerns over his policies on immigration enforcement, civil rights, and alignment with billionaire allies. The protests took place in over 2,100 cities and towns in the U.S., with estimated attendance ranging from 4 to 6 million people, making it one of the largest coordinated protest days in U.S. history. Similar protests were held internationally, often under names like "No Dictators" or "No Tyrants," particularly in countries with monarchies to avoid confusion. Protest events included speeches, marches, and signs carrying messages about rejecting authoritarianism, standing up for democracy, and asserting that power belongs to the people, not to a king or dictator. The protests were largely peaceful and nonviolent, organized with local authorities to avoid conflict. In summary, the "No Kings" protests represented a widespread, grassroots rejection of what the organizers and participants viewed as the authoritarian and undemocratic tendencies of Donald Trump's second presidency, using the symbolism of opposing kingship to emphasize democratic values and people's power. This information reflects the key aspects and context of the "No Kings" protests held in June 2025.