On Saturday, millions of Americans took to the streets across all 50 states in what organizers describe as a sweeping rejection of authoritarianism and the militarization of democracy.

According to CNN, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday and a $45 million military parade in Washington, D.C., more than 2,000 protesters under the “No Kings” banner gathered momentum in major cities nationwide.

The rallies were organized to counter Trump’s Armed Forces Day celebration, which marked the 250th anniversary of the United States Army. While the capital hosted heavy military displays featuring 7 million pounds of equipment, protest organizers intentionally directed attention elsewhere, scheduling events in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The goal was to undercut coverage of the parade and shine a spotlight on concerns about centralized executive power.

One of the day’s largest gatherings took place in Philadelphia, where between 60,000 and 80,000 demonstrators were expected, according to local affiliate KYW. Organizers said the No Kings movement stands against what they call "billionaire-first politics" and aggressive immigration enforcement tactics. Many protests were also fueled by outrage over recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids targeting immigrant communities.

Plans Took Shape Through Large-Scale Organizing Events

Earlier this week, No Kings organizers held a nationwide video conference attended by more than 4,000 local event leaders. Sessions emphasized safety, nonviolence, and how to handle potential confrontations peacefully. Organizers even conducted live role-playing to prepare volunteers for difficult situations that might arise.

Protest leaders encouraged groups to remain nonviolent, aiming for strictly peaceful demonstrations. “If you show up on site, and you feel completely overwhelmed by the numbers, first of all, congratulations,” a rally organizer said during the call. That sentiment reflects the movement's expectation for a record-setting turnout. Indivisible co-director Ezra Levin said an earlier protest in April, known as Hands Off!, drew around 3.5 million participants nationwide. Levin believes the No Kings turnout will exceed that number significantly, describing the nationwide demonstration as a “historic” mobilization effort.

Authorities Prepare for Unrest as Crowds Swell

In anticipation of potential unrest, several states and cities increased law enforcement presence. In Missouri, Gov. Mike Kehoe activated the state’s National Guard on Thursday, stating, “We respect, and will defend, the right to peacefully protest, but we will not tolerate violence or lawlessness in our state.”

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott followed suit, deploying the Texas National Guard ahead of protests expected in cities such as San Antonio. Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, where tensions have escalated following recent ICE raids, National Guard troops and Marines were deployed to support crowd control operations. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that federal deployment in Los Angeles could spread to other states, depending on how events unfolded. Despite the ramped-up security, many local officials continued to highlight the importance of protecting the public’s right to protest peacefully.

Local Officials Emphasize Peace and Public Safety

In New York, Mayor Eric Adams committed to ensuring safety during the demonstrations while affirming the city’s role in supporting lawful expressions of dissent. “New York City is also the greatest democracy in the world," Adams stated. "We expect large numbers of New Yorkers to be out in our streets.”

Adams added that the city’s 34,000 police officers would be on duty to protect demonstrators and bystanders alike. “We want to keep all New Yorkers safe, whether protesting or going about your everyday life,” he said. “We got this.” In Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass echoed concerns about escalating tensions, urging residents to maintain civility during demonstrations. Bass warned that violence could offer a "pretext to roll out troops," urging groups to prioritize de-escalation.

Controversial Rhetoric from Some Officials Draws Scrutiny

Some public officials, however, took a harsher tone. South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson denounced the protests as being led by what he labeled “radical anti-American groups.” He pledged legal action against anyone found engaging in violence or damaging property. In Florida, law enforcement issued even stronger warnings. Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey made headlines after saying that if protesters attack deputies, they should expect to be killed. “We will be notifying your family where to collect your remains,” he said. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis also made controversial remarks, telling residents that if a protester mob surrounds their car and threatens them, drivers have the right to flee—even if that results in injuries. “That’s their fault for impinging on you,” he said.

Momentum Builds in Key Locations Across U.S.

Events in cities like Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, and Phoenix continued throughout the day, adding to a portrayal of a nation in civic flux. Although not all events were of the same scale as Philadelphia’s flagship protest, each added to a landscape of visible dissent. California alone saw over 200 separate gatherings, making it the state with the most active participation. Demonstrations were also held earlier in the week in cities including New York, Seattle, Chicago, Austin, Las Vegas, and Washington, D.C., indicating that Saturday’s events were just a crescendo to an already active week of protest. Saturday’s actions follow closely on the heels of the Hands Off! and 50501 demonstrations this past spring, both of which brought sizable crowds and further solidified the coalition behind the No Kings banner.

Protesters Call for Civilian Empowerment Over Force

One of the movement’s core messages, repeated across signs and chants nationwide, was simple and direct: “In America, we don’t do kings.” Protesters held up slogans denouncing Trump’s use of military symbolism and rallying cries in favor of democratic principles.

While organizers pledged to keep the demonstrations peaceful, officials remained on standby in case crowds turned unmanageable. No date has been set to lift curfews in areas of Los Angeles still facing unrest. The day’s overlapping timelines—marking the president’s birthday, military celebrations, and vocal public opposition—highlighted stark contrasts in American views on power, patriotism, and protest. As evening approached, demonstrations continued in many cities, reflecting ongoing tensions at the heart of the nation's political landscape.