what is the no kings protest all about

The No Kings protest, also known as the No Dictators or No Tyrants protests, was a massive series of demonstrations held on June 14, 2025, primarily in the United States, but also internationally. The protests were organized largely to oppose then-President Donald Trump's policies and actions during his second presidency. Protesters expressed concerns about Trump's authoritarian tendencies, democratic backsliding, and the politicization and militarization of American democracy. The protests notably coincided with the U.S. Army's 250th Anniversary Parade held in Washington, D.C., which was also Trump's 79th birthday. Organizers viewed the parade as a display of power mimicking authoritarian regimes, and the protests aimed to reject Trump's "king-like" ego and his administration's policies perceived as anti-democratic and favoring billionaires over ordinary citizens. Over five million people participated in more than 2,100 cities and towns across the U.S., including territorial and international solidarity protests. The movement was supported by a broad coalition of progressive organizations like Indivisible, the American Civil Liberties Union, and others. The protests were rooted in nonviolent action and aimed to affirm that power belongs to the people, standing against authoritarianism and advocating for democracy, civil rights, and social justice. The name "No Kings" reflects a rejection of Trump's self- presentation as a monarch-like figure and called for a government "of, by, and for the people." The protests emphasized democratic values and were timed to contrast with the lavish military parade and Trump's self-celebration. In summary, the No Kings protest was a large-scale, coordinated effort to resist what protesters saw as authoritarianism, to defend democracy, and to oppose Trump’s second-term policies and actions during a symbolic day of military celebration and presidential birthday observance.