WE DON'T DO KINGS
NATIONWIDE PROTESTS TO RAIN ON TRUMP'S $45M BIRTHDAY MILITARY PARADE
It’s a tale as old as time: someone tries to throw themselves a lavish, self-indulgent birthday party, and all the neighbors show up to loudly object. Except in this case, the birthday boy is Donald Trump, the party costs a jaw-dropping $45 million in taxpayer dollars, and the neighbors include thousands of activists nationwide shouting, “No thrones, no crowns, no kings!” Welcome to the "No Kings Day" Nationwide Day of Defiance.
Set your calendars for June 14, 2025—a date that coincidentally aligns with Flag Day, the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary, and Trump’s 79th birthday. While Trump plans to celebrate with tanks rolling down the streets of Washington, D.C., flyovers that could rival a Marvel movie climax, and a price tag that could make Scrooge McDuck blush, pro-democracy activists are gearing up for a different kind of spectacle. One that involves art, peaceful protests, and a collective rejection of authoritarian vibes.
A Parade Fit for… Well, Not a Democracy
Let’s unpack this parade for a moment. Picture it: 6,600 soldiers marching in formation, 150 military vehicles rumbling across D.C., and enough flyovers to make anyone within earshot rethink their stance on noise-canceling headphones. Trump has defended this extravaganza as a "patriotic celebration," emphasizing the strength of America’s military might. But critics—and there are many—see something else entirely: an authoritarian flex straight out of the dictator playbook.
“This isn’t patriotism,” said one organizer. “This is a $45 million ego trip paid for by taxpayers. Tanks in the streets? Really? What’s next? A golden throne at the Lincoln Memorial?”
While Trump may view this as his personal crowning moment (pun intended), opposition groups have a different idea. Enter the "No Kings" coalition—a diverse collection of advocacy groups, activists, and everyday citizens who are saying "thanks, but no tanks." Their mission? To remind everyone that democracy doesn’t come with parades of power; it comes with accountability, equity, and grassroots action.
The "No Kings" Movement: A Royal Pain for Authoritarians
The "No Kings" protests are shaping up to be a nationwide extravaganza of their own. Over 100 events are planned across the country, from marches and rallies to artistic performances that celebrate democracy and denounce militarism. Think less "Top Gun" and more "Hamilton meets democracy flash mob."
Organized by groups like Indivisible, Refuse Fascism, and Black Voters Matter, the movement is grounded in nonviolence and creativity. Participants are encouraged to de-escalate conflicts (because nothing ruins a protest like an argument over who brought the wrong signs) and leave the weapons at home. After all, nothing says “we’re better than this” like peaceful resistance.
One organizer summed it up perfectly: “We don’t need tanks or flyovers to show strength. True power comes from people standing together for justice, equality, and democracy. Also, let’s be honest—$45 million could fix a lot of potholes.”
Why All the Fuss?
Now, you might be thinking: Why all this hullabaloo over a parade? Isn’t it just a bit of pomp and circumstance? Well, not quite.
Critics argue that this isn’t just about a one-off event—it’s about what the parade represents. To them, it’s a tone-deaf display of dominance at a time when many Americans are struggling with issues like inflation, healthcare costs, and systemic inequality. It’s also seen as part of a broader pattern of authoritarian behavior from Trump’s administration, which has faced accusations of corruption, civil rights abuses, and policies that disproportionately harm vulnerable communities.
And then there’s the price tag. At $45 million, this parade isn’t just expensive—it’s downright extravagant. For context, that’s enough money to provide free school lunches for over 5 million kids or fund nearly 900 teachers’ salaries for a year. Instead, it’s being spent on tanks that will likely tear up D.C.’s streets faster than you can say “infrastructure repair.”
Even some veterans and military officials have voiced concerns about the parade. After all, isn’t the military supposed to serve the people—not act as props in a political theater production?
The Musk Factor
Adding fuel to the fire is the inclusion of Elon Musk in this drama. Critics have accused both Trump and Musk of promoting policies that undermine federal programs while prioritizing corporate interests. Whether it’s union-busting or tax breaks for billionaires, many see their actions as emblematic of a broader threat to democracy and social welfare.
“Trump and Musk are like the Batman and Robin of corporate greed,” one protester quipped. “Except instead of fighting crime, they’re fighting workers’ rights.”
A Battle of Narratives
As the big day approaches, both sides are ramping up their messaging. Supporters of the parade argue that it’s a much-needed celebration of American strength and resilience. Opponents counter that true patriotism isn’t about flashy displays—it’s about ensuring dignity and justice for all citizens.
Social media has become a battleground for these narratives, with hashtags like #NoKingsDay and #DefendDemocracy trending alongside pro-parade slogans like #AmericaStrong (and the occasional meme featuring Trump riding a tank à la Dr. Strangelove).
Meanwhile, law enforcement in D.C. is bracing for what promises to be a massive turnout on both sides. With thousands expected to attend both the parade and the protests, security will be tighter than Trump’s grip on his Twitter account (or whatever platform he’s using these days).
What Comes Next?
The "No Kings" protests aren’t just about June 14—they’re part of a larger movement to resist authoritarianism and promote inclusive democracy. Advocacy groups like Indivisible have been at the forefront of this fight since 2016, organizing campaigns to hold leaders accountable and empower grassroots activism.
As one protester put it: “This isn’t just about Trump or one parade. It’s about what kind of country we want to be. Do we want tanks in our streets or teachers in our classrooms? Do we want leaders who serve themselves or leaders who serve us?”
So whether you’re marching in D.C., attending a rally in your hometown, or simply tweeting your support from the comfort of your couch, one thing is clear: June 14 is shaping up to be more than just another day on the calendar. It’s a reminder that in a democracy, power doesn’t come from parades or pageantry—it comes from people.
As for Trump? Well, let’s just say he might want to keep those birthday candles handy. He’ll need something to light his way when he realizes not everyone is cheering for his parade.
Final Thought
In America, we don’t do kings—or so the saying goes. But if there’s one thing we do exceptionally well, it’s standing up for our values when they’re under threat. So here’s to June 14: a day for flags, freedom, and reminding everyone that democracy doesn’t roll on tank treads—it marches on the will of the people.
Indivisible And Partners Announce ‘NO KINGS’ Nationwide Day of Defiance on Flag Day, During Trump’s Birthday Parade | Indivisible https://indivisible.org/statements/indivisible-and-partners-announce-no-kings-nationwide-day-defiance-flag-day-during
Volunteer Opportunities, Events, and Petitions Near Me · No Kings on Mobilize https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/
Volunteer Opportunities, Events, and Petitions Near Me · AFT on Mobilize https://www.mobilize.us/aft/?org_ids=42198
'We Don't Do Kings': Mass Protests Planned to Counter Trump's Birthday Military Parade | Common Dreams https://www.commondreams.org/news/no-kings-day-protest
Nationwide 'No Kings' Protest Planned for Parade on Trump's Birthday - Newsweek https://www.newsweek.com/no-kings-protest-donald-trump-birthday-parade-2068443
Schools Matter: National Day of Defiance June 14: No Kings Day http://www.schoolsmatter.info/2025/05/national-day-of-defiance-june-14-no.html
