Empire State Review Contributor 
On June 14, 2025, tens of thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets of New York City as part of the nationwide “No Kings” protests, voicing opposition to what they perceive as the authoritarian drift of President Donald Trump’s administration. The protests coincided with the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and Trump’s 79th birthday, both marked by a grand military parade in Washington, D.C.
Organized by the grassroots 50501 Movement, the New York City protest began in Bryant Park, with an estimated 50,000 participants marching down Fifth Avenue to Madison Square Park. Chants of “No Kings,” “Democracy, Not Dynasty,” and “My Body, My Choice” echoed through the streets as demonstrators carried signs criticizing the militarization of public events and the administration’s policies on immigration, civil liberties, and democratic norms.
The “No Kings” movement, named to reject monarchical or authoritarian leadership, orchestrated over 2,000 protests across all 50 states, making it one of the largest coordinated demonstrations since the onset of Trump’s second term. Organizers reported participation from millions nationwide, with events ranging from small-town gatherings to large urban marches.
In Washington, D.C., President Trump presided over a lavish military parade featuring over 6,000 troops, 150 military vehicles, and aerial flyovers. Critics argue that the parade, coinciding with the president’s birthday, served more as a political spectacle than a genuine celebration of military history. An AP-NORC poll released prior to the event indicated that 60% of Americans viewed the parade as an inappropriate use of government funds.
While most protests remained peaceful, some cities experienced heightened tensions. In Los Angeles, clashes between demonstrators and police led to the use of tear gas and crowd-control measures. In Salt Lake City, a protester was critically injured in a shooting incident, and in Minneapolis, a politically motivated attack resulted in the deaths of State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, leading to the cancellation of several planned rallies in Minnesota.
Despite these incidents, the overarching message of the “No Kings” protests was one of unity and a call to uphold democratic values. Participants emphasized the importance of resisting authoritarian tendencies and ensuring that the nation’s leadership remains accountable to its citizens.
The events of June 14 highlighted the deep divisions within the United States, with grand displays of military might juxtaposed against widespread public demonstrations advocating for democratic principles and civil liberties.
