Advocates for democracy have called for a nationwide protest, dubbed “No Kings” Day, scheduled for June 14, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s intention to host a grandiose military parade, an event they argue is more typical of a tyrant than a democratically elected leader.<\/p>\n
Already, over 100 “No Kings” protests are set to take place across the United States, with organizers expecting that number to swell as the event nears.<\/p>\n
For a complete rundown of all registered events and their locations, click here.<\/p>\n
During an appearance on The Rachel Maddow Show<\/em>, Ezra Levin, co-executive director of Indivisible, criticized the planned parade. “Donald Trump is ready to waste tens of millions in taxpayer money for an extravagant parade complete with tanks rolling down the streets,” he said. “It\u2019s a move ripped right from the authoritarian playbook. He aims to showcase dominance, to make us believe he holds ultimate power, that he governs the globe.”<\/p>\n Levin continued, “But he doesn\u2019t. True power isn\u2019t centralized in Washington, D.C. It\u2019s spread throughout the nation. And with ‘No Kings Day,’ we\u2019re making it clear\u2014Donald Trump doesn\u2019t own the flag, nor does he own patriotism. We all have the right to stand up against the notion of monarchy in America.”<\/p>\n The official website for the event outlines that the demonstrations are meant to “reject authoritarianism from urban centers to rural communities, from courthouse steps to local parks.”<\/p>\n The site emphatically states, “In America, we reject monarchs. On June 14th, we\u2019re gathering where he is not, to declare no thrones, no crowns, no kings.”<\/p>\n These announcements follow shortly after the U.S. Army confirmed its plans for a military parade on June 14, which marks both the 250th anniversary of the Army and Trump\u2019s 79th birthday.<\/p>\n According to The Washington Post<\/em>, an Army spokesperson revealed plans for the parade to feature 150 vehicles, 50 aircraft, and 6,600 troops. The event will also include a fireworks show and a festival on the National Mall, complete with military demonstrations, musical performances, and a fitness contest.<\/p>\n Two defense officials have hinted to NBC News<\/em> that the event could cost up to $45 million. Trump defended the expenditure in a recent interview, claiming the cost is “peanuts compared to the value of doing it.”<\/p>\n “We possess the world\u2019s finest missiles, submarines, army tanks, and weapons. We\u2019re going to celebrate that fact,” Trump proudly proclaimed.<\/p>\n U.S. Representative Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), voiced his disapproval on Monday, labeling the event “an unprecedented waste of funds just to satisfy this narcissistic charlatan.” Cohen, who is spearheading legislation to block federal funding for any military parade glorifying Donald J. Trump, added that the public should express their disdain for such misuse of funds.<\/p>\n “The narcissist-in-chief expects the American taxpayer to bear the cost of a military spectacle for his birthday,” Cohen stated, underscoring the need for legislative action to prevent the parade from being funded at the taxpayer’s expense.<\/p>\n