Protests across US against Trump’s ‘authoritarian’ policy
Tens of thousands of Americans took to the streets in cities from New York to Los Angeles on Saturday to protest President Donald Trump’s policies, hours before a massive military parade in Washington, DC, celebrating the US Army’s 250th anniversary.
The demonstrations, the largest since Trump’s return to power in January, were overshadowed by the assassination of a Democratic lawmaker in Minnesota and escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The protests, many under the theme “No Kings,” condemned Trump’s immigration policies, military deployments, and what critics called an authoritarian display of power.
In Los Angeles, National Guard troops and US Marines were deployed to secure the city amid protests, a move challenged in court by California Governor Gavin Newsom.
In Minnesota, “No Kings” protests were canceled after Governor Tim Walz described the killing of one Democratic lawmaker and wounding of another as a “politically motivated assassination.” Authorities found protest flyers in the suspected gunman’s car, prompting a manhunt. Trump condemned the violence, stating on social media, “Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America.”
In Washington, DC, the parade featured 7,000 troops, 150 vehicles—including M1 Abrams tanks and Stryker armoured vehicles—and a flyover with Apache helicopters, Black Hawks, and World War II-era aircraft like the B-25 bomber.
The event, costing between $25 million and $45 million, drew sharp criticism for its expense and militaristic tone. Security was intense, with 18.5 miles of 8-foot-high fencing and concrete barriers surrounding landmarks like the Washington Monument.
The Secret Service deployed drones, and thousands of law enforcement officers were on duty.
In Los Angeles, thousands marched peacefully, with American flags—many flown upside down—outnumbering Mexican flags.
Erika Rice, 46, attending her first protest, called Trump’s use of the military to assist ICE raids and protect federal buildings “a disgusting display of trying to wield power over the American people and immigrants.”
In New York, thousands gathered in Bryant Park, including actor Mark Ruffalo, with signs reading “No crown for a clown.” Cooper Smith, 20, from upstate New York, decried Trump’s “dehumanizing language” toward minorities, immigrants, and marginalized groups.
Chicago’s Daley Plaza saw thousands chanting “Lock him up!” under the Picasso statue. In Atlanta, far-right Proud Boys clashed with “No Kings” protesters. In Washington, 400 demonstrators from RefuseFascism.org rallied opposite the White House, with organiser Sunsara Taylor declaring, “We refuse to accept Donald Trump unleashing the military against the people of this country.”
The protests coincided with heightened global tensions, as Israel launched a second wave of strikes on Iran to target its nuclear program, following Iran’s retaliatory missile attacks.
The Dow fell 1.8%, the S&P 500 over 1%, and the Nasdaq 1.3% on Friday amid fears of a broader Middle East conflict.
Critics, including 70-year-old retired gastroenterologist Allan Hallie from Indiana, expressed fear over the country’s direction. “I am quite afraid of the direction of this country,” he said at Chicago’s protest. Meanwhile, the Texas Department of Public Safety evacuated the state capitol after identifying a credible threat against lawmakers attending a protest.
Military parades are rare in the US, with the last major one in 1991 celebrating the Gulf War victory. Saturday’s event, while framed as a tribute to the Army, intensified debates over Trump’s leadership and the militarisation of domestic policy.
