'No Kings' rallies: Anti-Trump protestors crowd streets across America; US army parade on 250th anniversary concludes

'No Kings' protesters bring their wit to US streets

"Go to therapy Donald. Authoritarianism is not self-care," read one placard in front of the federal building in Los Angeles, the focus of more than a week of protests over a Trump-ordered crackdown on immigration.

"Trump has a mugshot, my father does not," said one sign, a reference to Trump's 2023 arrest in Georgia that produced one of the most famous police photographs in the world.

In New York, a protester held a board referencing Trump's infamous election debate claims -- widely debunked -- that migrants were consuming people's pets.

"They're eating the checks. They're eating the balances," it said.

In Denver, a sign said: "Elect a clown, expect a circus," while back in Los Angeles others picked up the theme: "No crown for the clown."

'No Kings' protest: One critically injured in Salt Lake City shooting

At least one person was "critically injured" after a shooting at a demonstration in the western US city of Salt Lake City, police said, with local media reporting the incident took place at a rally against US President Donald Trump.

"We can confirm the shooting resulted in one person being critically injured. The patient has been taken to a hospital with life-threatening (injuries). We have a person of interest in custody," said the Salt Lake City police department in a social media post.

Military parade draws Trump fans, and critics, to US capital

Parachutists glided through the air as soldiers marched and tanks groaned through the barricaded streets of Washington Saturday during a military parade long-coveted by US President Donald Trump, as a largely quiet crowd watched on.

On the National Mall, enclosed within almost 20 miles (32 kilometers) of high-security fencing, nearly 7,000 soldiers and about 150 military vehicles paraded to intermittent cheers.

Rain had threatened to wash out the event but it never came, much to the relief of those lining the four-lane street that runs past the White House, where Trump stood watching and frequently saluting the passing troops.

The crowd was mostly quiet as soldiers in uniforms dating back to the 1700s marched past, bar the occasional shouts of "Thank you, Army!" that spurred cheers and whoops.

Many wore Trump's signature red "Make America Great Again" baseball caps, but others attending made clear they supported the Army -- but opposed the norm-bending president.

"Personally, I'm not a fan of Trump, but I'm a fan of the Army," said Andrew Smith, 24, whose brother serves in the military.

"I feel like we can separate politics and what we stand for, and then hopefully get along," he added.

US Army parade on its 250th anniversary concludes

The United States Army's 250th birthday celebration concludes with a fireworks display over the National Mall in Washington DC. The fireworks show was moved ahead of schedule due to the threat of thunderstorms in the US capital.

Trump says US Army has made all Americans 'very proud'

Showering praise on the United States Army, Trump said, "The Army keeps us free, you make us strong, and tonight, you have made all Americans very proud."

'Our soldiers will come for you': Trump warns America's 'enemies'

"If you threaten the American people, our soldiers are coming for you. The US Army has driven bayonets into the hearts of evil empires and they 'fight, fight, fight and they win, win, win'," says Donald Trump in military parade address.

Los angeles protest turns chaotic after police disperse peaceful crowd

Thousands in Los Angeles demonstrated peacefully on Saturday to oppose US President Donald Trump, participating in activities such as music, marching, bubbles, and balloons. The event, part of the nationwide "No Kings" protests, was the largest gathering in over a week of demonstrations fueled by anger over immigration raids conducted by the Trump administration in the city, the country's second-largest metropolis.

The march commenced in the morning and concluded as the afternoon progressed, with demonstrators lingering in a sunny setting that resembled a street festival. However, police unexpectedly began dispersing the crowd, leading to confusion and frustration among the demonstrators who were unprepared for the intervention.

Law enforcement officers on horseback advanced against the crowds while tear gas and flash-bang grenades were deployed several hours before the imposed eight pm (0300 GMT) curfew. A police spokeswoman later informed local television station KTLA that a "small group of agitators" had started throwing rocks, bottles, and fireworks at officers, necessitating the order to disperse the assembly. She stated, "If people refused to leave, we will make arrests," adding, "We have been patient all day."

Military parade rolls through DC as 'No Kings' protesters across US decry Trump

Trump watched a grand military parade on Constitution Avenue on Saturday, which featured tanks, troops, and a 21-gun salute. The parade occurred amidst nationwide protests by individuals who criticised the US leader as a dictator and would-be king.

On his 79th birthday, the Republican President observed the display from a special viewing stand south of the White House. The parade commenced early and proceeded swiftly despite light rain and clouds obscuring the Washington Monument. More than 6,000 soldiers and 128 Army tanks participated in the procession. Trump had sought to organise such a parade during his first term after witnessing a similar event in Paris in 2017, but the plans materialised only when the parade was incorporated into the Army's 250th anniversary celebrations.

“Every other country celebrates their victories. It’s about time America did too,” Trump declared in brief remarks at the parade's conclusion.

Trump swears in a group of new and reenlisting US Army troops

Trump leads ceremony at US Army's 250th birthday parade; administered 'Oath of Enlistment'

US President Donald Trump presided over the military enlistment and re-enlistment ceremony during the US Army’s 250th birthday parade, concluding the celebration with a formal swearing-in of new and returning soldiers.

Standing before the servicemembers, Trump administered the Oath of Enlistment, urging them to “support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” The troops responded in unison, affirming their commitment.

“Congratulations, congratulations!” Trump said, before adding, “Welcome to the United States Army, and have a great life—thank you very much.”

The final sections of marching troops represent the Army’s future

The band at the US Military Academy at West Point will lead hundreds of future troops, including members of the Texas A&M Army Corps of Cadets, new enlistees just going through Army initial entry training, cadets from the Virginia Military Institute and cadets from The Citadel in South Carolina.

Last, 250 brand new recruits or soldiers who are re-enlisting will reach the president. As they do, they will turn toward him and raise their right hand, and Trump will swear them into service.

Army to conclude parade with showcase of modern war machinery

The US Army will wrap up its celebratory parade with a thunderous 31-minute display of the heavy combat equipment it considers vital for future battlefields. The final segment is expected to feature a powerful procession of tanks, artillery systems, and helicopters, underscoring the Army’s readiness for near-term conflicts.

Among the highlights are numerous Black Hawk helicopters, key variants of both towed and self-propelled artillery, and the HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) — a weapon that has gained global attention for its role in aiding Ukraine’s defence against Russia.

The display is intended not just as a tribute to military legacy but also a statement on the evolving shape of modern warfare.

Soldiers greet parade viewers

The parade is showcasing a variety of artillery pieces and armored vehicles.

Helmeted soldiers riding atop vehicles are smiling and waving to the crowd. One made a heart with his hands.

Troops, helicopters represent Global War on Terror

Troops from the 10th Mountain Division deployed more than 20 times to Afghanistan and Iraq as part of the Global War on Terror, following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

As they march past, the160th SOAR will fly overhead in the three helicopter types they operate – the OH-6 “Little Bird,” the MH-60 Black Hawk and the MH-47 Chinook.

Sky parade honors Army’s fighter, bomber legacies: WWII aircraft fly over parade as Army marks 250th birthday

A powerful tribute to the US Army’s aviation history unfolded in the skies above Washington as part of the Army’s 250th birthday celebrations. While soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell and the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg marched below, six historic aircraft soared overhead, drawing cheers from the crowd.

The flyover featured four P-51 Mustang fighters, two B-25 Mitchell bombers, and a C-47 Skytrain transport plane. Each aircraft carries deep wartime significance. The P-51 Mustang, a legendary long-range escort fighter, helped dramatically reduce heavy bomber losses during World War II. The B-25 Mitchell gained fame through the daring Doolittle Raid, in which 16 stripped-down B-25s launched from the USS Hornet to bomb Tokyo in 1942.

The C-47 Skytrain, meanwhile, is etched in history for its role in D-Day. Painted with black and white invasion stripes to avoid friendly fire, these aircraft carried over 13,000 paratroopers across the English Channel to jump into Nazi-occupied France during the Normandy invasion.

WWII planes soar over Army birthday parade despite weather concerns

Despite earlier worries that poor weather might ground them, vintage World War II aircraft, including a B-25 bomber, participated in a flyover during the Army’s 250th birthday parade.

Parachuters deploy over the National Mall

Almost a dozen parachutists leapt from a plane above the parade marking the Army’s 250th anniversary, trailing red smoke across the sky. The crowd erupted in cheers, gazing skyward as the jumpers twisted and descended near the Ellipse. Low-hanging clouds partially veiled the Washington Monument as the festivities took place.

Golden Knights parachute team captivates crowd with aerial display

With the sky lightly misted by intermittent rain, the US Army’s official parachute demonstration and competition team, the Golden Knights, sailed gracefully through the air, drawing cheers from the crowd below. As the paratroopers glided toward the earth in coordinated precision, spectators watched in awe, unfazed by the light drizzle that punctuated the overcast skies.

Military parade LIVE: In DC as ‘No Kings’ protests held against Trump

Troops from the 4th Infantry Division represent the Civil War

Stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, the troops represent ground infantry and cavalry forces that were pivotal in the brutal conflict. The Civil War, spanning from April 1861 to April 1865, claimed the lives of over 620,000 Union and Confederate soldiers, many of whom perished either in battle or due to disease.

Army Parade begins with its first and oldest unit, the 3rd Infantry Regiment

Members of the 3rd Infantry Regiment are leading the massive procession of soldiers, tanks and artillery honoring the Army’s 250th birthday.

The regiment was established in 1784 and fought in the War of 1812. The regiment earned its nickname, “The Old Guard,” during the 1846 Mexican War.

The main ‘No Kings’ protest in NYC disperses as a smaller crowd heads to immigration courts

The smaller crowd rallied in the streets and plazas around two federal buildings in Lower Manhattan that house immigration courts.

That area has been the site of nightly protests for a week, and occasional minor scuffles between protesters and police trying to keep demonstrators from blocking the entrance to a garage used by federal vehicles.

Trump arrives at parade stands

The president and first lady Melania Trump have arrived at the stands where they will review the Army parade.

Trump waves and pumps his fist to the crowd, who cheer and chant “USA!, USA!”

In addition to the military branch’s birthday, Saturday is also Trump’s birthday. The Army is turning 250, while the president is now 79.

‘No Kings' rally ends in Philly after thousands march against Trump

The flagship “No Kings” protest in Philadelphia ended with a celebration that millions of Americans were banding together across the country.

“Today, we are doing the most quintessentially American thing you can think of. We are showing up peacefully, together, proudly finally to say freedom means something. Justice demands action and that we are not done fighting for the country we know is possible,” said Ezra Levin, a co-executive director of the group Indivisible, which helped organize the protests.

Thousands of demonstrators had joined Philadelphia’s protest, where the energy was festive and peaceful, starting this morning in Love Park before marching to Philadelphia’s Museum of Art.

“Thank you for being part of what is a historic movement for liberty and justice for all. We are stronger than the forces seeking to divide us. There are more of us than there are of them,” he said.

Levin led the crowd through one final chant, asking “How many kings?”

Protesters fill streets across US to oppose Trump policies

Protesters filled plazas, streets and parks across the country Saturday, mounting a mass mobilization that called for protecting American democracy from a president whom many demonstrators decried as authoritarian. The protests, in small towns and major cities including Philadelphia, Chicago, Houston and Atlanta, came hours before President Donald Trump was set to host a military parade in Washington.
The "No Kings" events in all 50 states were animated in part by the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, domestic military mobilization, federal spending cuts and the parade, which was coinciding with the president's 79th birthday. Many demonstrators struck patriotic themes, waving American flags, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance or carrying signs referencing the nation's founding fathers.

In Newark, New Jersey, U.S. Rep. LaMonica Mclver stood in front of a statue of Abraham Lincoln and expressed defiance. Mclver, a Democrat who faces federal charges related to a confrontation at a migrant detention center last month, said she would not be silenced or intimidated. "We have to be on the front lines to fight for democracy," she told a crowd outside the county courthouse.

That message took a particularly ominous tone as news spread from Minnesota that a person pretending to be a police officer had assassinated a Democratic state lawmaker and attempted to kill a second. The state patrol asked people to refrain from attending "No Kings" events in the state because materials about the gatherings were found in the vehicle of the attacker, who remained at large.

The protests come amid building outrage over raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Los Angeles that led to mass demonstrations and conflicts with law enforcement. The city has emerged as the epicenter of anxiety over immigration enforcement and has seen days of sustained protests; authorities there said they were bracing for crowd sizes Saturday that could be "unprecedented."

Some 2,000 events were planned from coast to coast. In Atlanta, thousands of people packed into Liberty Plaza, carrying signs that included the message "Stop Trump's Terrorism" and singing a rendition of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" adjusted with the words "Take Trump out of the White House." In Greenville, Ohio, where Democrats are rare, protesters gathered even as police warned that anyone blocking the road would go to jail.

Elected leaders and law enforcement officials across the country encouraged protesters to remain peaceful, and organizers of the "No Kings" demonstrations called on participants to focus on "nonviolent action." In Houston, some demonstrators handed out flowers to police officers who were securing the route of the protest.

Here's what else to know:

-- LA crackdown: In the months before the immigration raids in Los Angeles, the Trump administration and immigrant rights groups had been preparing for conflict. Then the message arrived: "ICE is here," one father wrote. "They're going to take us."

-- Shifting priorities: The Trump administration recently shifted the focus of its mass deportation campaign, telling immigration officials to largely pause raids and arrests in hotels, restaurants and the agricultural industry.

-- Military parade: "No Kings" organizers avoided calling for demonstrations in Washington, where the military parade was set to go on despite a forecast of possibly severe storms. Trump warned that anyone seeking to protest at the parade would be met with "very big force."

-- Detained by Marines: Marcos Leao, a 27-year-old Army veteran, was briefly held by U.S. Marines outside a federal building in Los Angeles. The move was noteworthy because federal troops are rarely seen detaining U.S. civilians, even temporarily.

-- Congressional inquiry: The House Oversight Committee said it was opening an investigation into the Los Angeles protests, including communications between Gov. Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass. Newsom responded that the records would include "some highly unusual communications from the White House."

US protesters hit streets before Trump's military parade

Thousands of people on Saturday rallied nationwide against the policies of US President Donald Trump ahead of a rare military parade on his 79th birthday -- but the killing of a Democratic lawmaker in Minnesota cast a pall over the day's events.

Trump was quick to condemn the targeted shootings of two lawmakers outside Minneapolis -- one died along with her husband, while the other and his wife have been hospitalized with gunshot wounds.

The shocking murder was the latest in a string of incidents of political violence, including an attempt on Trump's life in July last year, and an April arson attack on the home of Pennsylvania's governor, who is a Democrat and Jewish.

The shootings prompted Minnesota state authorities to call on residents not to attend protests by the so-called "No Kings" movement organized across the United State, which began at noon (1600 GMT) in some East Coast locations.

Organizers said the rallies would be the largest since Trump returned to office in January, adding that they were "rejecting authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics, and the militarization of our democracy."

"I'm here because the things that are happening in this administration are very disturbing," Sarah Hargrave, 42, told AFP in the Washington suburb of Bethesda, where about 1,000 people rallied.

Organizers said they expected millions of people in more than 1,500 cities including New York, Houston, Seattle, Atlanta and Trump's second home in Palm Beach, Florida to protest. A small group even gathered in Paris.

Thousands hit the streets in Philadelphia, one of the movement's flagship events.

Critics call it a 'taxpayer-funded ego trip'

Protest organizers and critics slammed the parade’s price tag and its symbolism.

“This is a theatrical display of dominance — paid for with taxpayer money — while millions are told there’s no money for healthcare or housing,” said a No Kings organizer.

The movement’s message: “Reject authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics, and the militarization of democracy.”

With tanks in the capital and resistance in the streets, Trump’s birthday weekend has become a flashpoint in an increasingly polarized America.

Cities brace for large crowds at anti-Trump 'No Kings' demonstrations across the US

Cities large and small were preparing for major demonstrations Saturday across the U.S. against President Donald Trump, as officials urge calm, National Guard troops mobilize and Trump attends a military parade in Washington to mark the Army’s 250th anniversary.

A flagship “No Kings” march and rally are planned in Philadelphia, but no events are scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., where the military parade will take place on Trump’s birthday.

The demonstrations come on the heels of protests flaring up around the country over federal immigration enforcement raids that began last week and Trump ordering National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles where protesters blocked a freeway and set cars on fire.

Police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets and flash-bang grenades while officials enforced curfews in Los Angeles and Democratic governors called Trump's Guard deployment “an alarming abuse of power” that "shows the Trump administration does not trust local law enforcement.”

Governors and city officials vowed to protect the right to protest and to show no tolerance for violence.

‘Philadelphia: Rejecting Kings Since 1776’

That’s the message of a red-white-and-blue sign adorned with a Liberty Bell carried by 61-year-old Karen Van Trieste in Philadelphia.

The 61-year-old nurse, who drove up from Maryland this morning, says she grew up in Philadelphia and wanted to be with a large group of people showing her support.

“I just feel like we need to defend our Democracy,” Trieste said before listing a series of concerns, including the dismantling of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, harm to the LGBTQ and immigrant communities and the Trump administration’s practice of ruling by executive order.

Florida rally goers prepare to avoid any provocation — even jaywalking
About a thousand people gathered on the grounds of Florida’s old Capitol Saturday morning, where protestors chanted, “this is what community looks like” and carried signs with messages like “one nation under distress” and “dissent is patriotic.”

Organizers explicitly told the crowd in Tallahassee to avoid any conflicts with counter protestors, and to avoid disrupting traffic, taking care to not even jaywalk.

Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida law enforcement officials have warned of grave consequences for demonstrators who violate the law.

Organizers say another march will go to the gates of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, where DeSantis warned that the “line is very clear” and not to cross it.

Who is organizing the protests?

The 50501 Movement has been orchestrating the across-the-country protests — the name stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement.

The group says it picked the “No Kings” name to support democracy and speak out against what they call the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration.

Protests earlier this year have denounced Trump and billionaire adviser Elon Musk. Protesters have called for Trump to be “dethroned” as they compare his actions to that of a king and not a democratically elected president.

On its website, the group says it expects participants “to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation” and not to bring weapons to any events.

A rather awkward moment for a ‘No Kings’ rally in London
The phrase “No Kings” has a different meaning in Britain, so Trump’s opponents had to alter their language a bit when they staged a demonstration Saturday outside the U.S. Embassy in London, one of dozens planned in cities across Europe.

Organizers asked for signs reading “No Tyrants” and “No Clowns,” instead of “No Kings” and “No Crowns,” in deference to Britain’s constitutional monarch. Some riffed on the idea, with hand-lettered signs like “Elect a Clown, Get a Circus.’’

The timing was also a bit awkward — King Charles III was not the target, but this anti-Trump rally came on the same day Britain celebrated the monarch’s official birthday, with an annual parade known as “Trooping the Colour.”

Charles is barred from party politics, with all decisions made by the prime minister, his Cabinet and the elected House of Commons. By contrast, Trump’s opponents accuse him of ignoring the limits placed on his power by the U.S. Constitution.

Trump set for huge US military parade amid 'No Kings' protests

US President Donald Trump will preside over a huge military parade in Washington on his 79th birthday Saturday, as nationwide protests rejecting his brand of politics underscore deep divisions over his second term.

But the threat of thunderstorms in the US capital, and the barrage of missiles raining down in Tel Aviv and Tehran -- a conflict in which the American military is assisting -- could cast a long shadow over the president's celebration.

"This is a big day for America!!!" Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

Nearly 7,000 troops plus dozens of tanks and helicopters will rumble through Washington in an event officially marking the 250th anniversary of the US army -- at a cost of up to $45 million.

At the same time, protests by the so-called "No Kings" movement are expected across the United States against what organizers say is a Trump personality cult.

Organizers said the rallies would be the largest since Trump returned to office in January, adding that they were "rejecting authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics, and the militarization of our democracy."

'No Kings' movement mobilizes nationwide

While Trump’s tanks roll through D.C., over 1,500 cities across all 50 states — and even abroad — will see millions protesting under the banner of “No Kings.” Organizers say the protests are a direct rejection of Trump’s “self-aggrandizing” parade and what they call a cult of personality and creeping authoritarianism.

Protests are also planned in countries including Germany, Mexico, and the UK.

“This is a vulgar display of weakness,” said California Governor Gavin Newsom, condemning both the parade and Trump’s recent decision to send National Guard troops into Los Angeles without his consent.

7,000 troops, tanks, choppers in $45 million parade

On his 79th birthday, President Donald Trump is set to preside over the largest U.S. military parade since the 1991 Gulf War. Nearly 7,000 troops, 150 military vehicles, and over 50 helicopters — including Abrams tanks, Apache gunships, and Black Hawks — will parade through Washington D.C., marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.

The spectacle, which Trump has long dreamed of since attending France’s Bastille Day parade in 2017, will culminate in a parachute flag presentation by the Army’s Golden Knights. The parade route will pass landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, ending near the White House.

Estimated cost: $45 million.

Coalition calls for a ‘day of defiance’

The event is being led by a broad coalition of activist groups, many of which were also involved in the “Hands Off!” protests earlier this year. Saturday has been declared a “day of defiance,” aimed at sending a clear message that Trump’s consolidation of power will not go unchallenged.

“This is about rejecting the idea of unchecked authority. We’re not subjects. We’re citizens,” Greenberg said.

As the country braces for a weekend of powerful political theater — military parades on one end, mass civil resistance on the other — Saturday could become a defining moment in the battle over the direction of American democracy.

Philadelphia to host national livestream

While no protests will take place in the capital, Philadelphia will serve as the hub for the national livestream of the “No Kings” protests. Organizers say the city’s historical ties to American democracy make it a fitting location for broadcasting a movement that’s grounded in peaceful, democratic resistance.

Trump’s birthday parade adds to the tension

Coinciding with the protests is Trump’s 79th birthday, which the administration is marking with a large-scale military parade in Washington, D.C. to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. Organizers of the protests have slammed the parade as a “theatrical show of dominance,” likening it to the displays typically seen in authoritarian regimes.

Notably, organizers have intentionally excluded Washington, D.C. from the protest locations after Trump threatened protesters with “very big force” if they disrupted the parade.

Backdrop: Immigration raids and military deployments

The protests come amid heightened tensions following the Trump administration’s immigration crackdowns and the deployment of military forces in Los Angeles. While these actions have already sparked local protests, Saturday’s events aim to send a unified national message against what organizers call state overreach and suppression of civil liberties.

“This is not just about one policy — it’s about a pattern,” said Leah Greenberg, co-founder of Indivisible, one of the main groups behind the protests.

Mass protests planned across all 50 states

On Saturday, Americans in all 50 states will take to the streets in what organizers say will be one of the largest coordinated demonstrations of President Donald Trump's second term. The protests — organized under the banner “No Kings” — are meant to challenge what activists call a dangerous tilt toward authoritarianism. Over 2,000 events are planned nationwide, from urban centers like New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Chicago, to rural towns such as Moab, Utah and Lewisburg, West Virginia. Demonstrations are also planned internationally in countries including Germany, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.