On June 12, 2025, US President Donald Trump took questions from reporters after signing a series of bills related to California’s vehicle emissions standards at an event in the East Room of the White House. During the press conference, Trump addressed the upcoming protests planned across the country in response to the expensive military parade scheduled for Saturday, which also happens to be his birthday and the US Army’s 250th anniversary.
When asked about the protests, Trump declared, “I don’t feel like a king. I have to go through hell to get stuff approved.” He went on to cite the example of having to involve Republican leaders House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune before signing a resolution passed by Congress to block California’s ban on the sale of new gas-powered cars from 2035. “No, no. We’re not a king. We’re not a king at all,” Trump added.
The “No Kings” protests, which are planned for Saturday, aim to deliver a strong message against authoritarianism. The organisers of the protests have stated that they are not gathering to feed Trump’s ego, but rather to build a movement that leaves him behind. “The flag doesn’t belong to President Trump. It belongs to us,” the event’s website states. “We’re showing up everywhere he isn’t – to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings.”
The protests are scheduled in 50 states and 1,500 cities across the country, with a flagship march and rally planned in Philadelphia. However, there will be no protests in Washington, as the organisers have decided to host the main event in a different city.
The timing of these protests is significant, as the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown has caused uproar in Los Angeles and other cities. Demonstrators have come out to protest the raids carried out by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. In response, Trump has authorised the deployment of the National Guard and US Marines in California, against the wishes of Governor Gavin Newsom. Newsom has warned that this move will only add fuel to the fire.
Meanwhile, Trump’s military parade on Saturday is expected to feature armored vehicles, thousands of soldiers, and military aircraft, at an estimated cost of $45 million to taxpayers. This price tag has been a point of contention for Republicans, who have struggled to defend the expense.
Earlier this week, Trump issued a warning to the demonstrators planning to take to the streets in Washington this weekend. “If there’s any protest that wants to come out, they will be met with very big force, by the way,” he said. “And for those people that want to protest, they’re gonna be met with very big force.”
The protests and the military parade have sparked a debate about the use of force and the role of the government in a democratic society. While Trump has defended his actions as necessary for maintaining law and order, critics argue that it is a display of authoritarianism and a misuse of power.
Despite the controversy surrounding the protests and the military parade, Trump remains firm in his stance. He has made it clear that he will not back down and will use whatever means necessary to push through his agenda. This determination has been a defining characteristic of his presidency, and it seems unlikely to change even if a Democrat were to replace him.
The protests and the military parade also highlight the deep political divide in the country. With the upcoming presidential election, tensions are high, and both sides are gearing up for a fierce battle. The “No Kings” protests serve as a reminder that the power ultimately lies with the people, and it is their voices that will shape the future of the country.
In the midst of all this, it is important to remember that the United States is a country built on democracy and the principles of freedom and equality. As citizens, it is our responsibility to hold our leaders accountable and to stand up for what we believe in. The “No Kings” protests are a testament to the strength and resilience of the American people, and a reminder that we will not be silenced.
As the country prepares for a weekend of protests and a military parade, let us remember that we are all Americans, and we must stand together in the face of adversity. Let us use this opportunity to come together and show the world that we are a nation united, not divided. And let us continue to strive towards a future where the voices of the people are heard and respected, and where democracy prevails
