Nationwide ‘No Kings’ Protests Planned for Trump’s Birthday

News Summary

On June 14, a nationwide movement named ‘No Kings’ is organizing protests against perceived authoritarianism in the Trump administration. Initiated by activist Audrey Bourriaud, the demonstrations aim to unify citizens across the political spectrum. Approximately 1,800 demonstrations are expected, with the largest taking place in Detroit. The motivation for the protests includes concerns over democracy and the extravagant military parade planned for the same day. Local leaders urge peaceful gatherings to emphasize civil rights and democratic values.

Detroit – Nationwide protests dubbed the “No Kings” movement are set to take place on June 14, 2025. The protests coincide with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday and a military parade in Washington, D.C. Organized by various grassroots groups, these demonstrations are a collective response to dissatisfaction with the Trump administration, particularly concerning what activists view as authoritarianism and abuses of power.

Activist Audrey Bourriaud, originally from France and now a U.S. resident for 15 years, founded the grassroots organization “We the People Dissent” in February 2025. Her activism is influenced by her knowledge of historical political movements, including fascism, socialism, and communism. Bourriaud is specifically concerned about threats to democracy and hopes to mobilize citizens to stand against them.

Approximately 1,800 demonstrations are anticipated to occur across the country, showcasing a broad coalition of citizens from various political backgrounds. Major protests are scheduled in Michigan, particularly in Detroit, Ferndale, and Lansing. Detroit is expected to host the largest event, with the main protest taking place from 1-4 p.m. at 1130 Clark Ave., where organizers expect close to 1,000 participants.

A gathering in Clark Park is also anticipated to attract at least 2,000 attendees, featuring speeches from notable figures such as Michigan’s Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. Local political leaders, including Attorney General Dana Nessel, have urged for peaceful protest conditions. Efforts are underway to ensure that the demonstrations uphold a spirit of nonviolence, especially in light of the potential for unrest.

The motivation behind the protests stems from frustration over Trump’s military parade, which many see as an extravagant use of taxpayer funds while essential federal services face budget cuts. Protesters aim to send a message of unity against perceived threats to civil rights and democracy while encouraging participants to engage in nonviolent protest behaviors.

With historical precedents for protests in the United States, the “No Kings” protests connect current issues to past civil rights movements, aiming to empower citizens to advocate for their decaying democratic norms. Participants are encouraged to gather peacefully, bring signs, and document their involvement through photos and videos.

Local law enforcement is preparing for the protests, with efforts to maintain order and ensure the safety of participants. Historical contexts of demonstrations often raise concerns about potential violence; therefore, law enforcement’s presence may be increased around the events to mitigate any risks. Though various groups are involved, there is no single coordinating body managing the protests, highlighting the organic and decentralized nature of this activist movement.

As the day approaches, activists from the “No Kings” coalition express hopes that the events will not only highlight their grievances but will also galvanize others to join the fight for civil rights and the preservation of democracy. The nationwide movement seeks to remind citizens of their collective power in times of political distress, ushering in a new era of active civic engagement.

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HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• MLive
• Wikipedia: Protests in the United States
• Detroit Free Press
• Google Search: No Kings protests
• FOX 2 Detroit
• Google Scholar: Trump protests 2025
• Lansing State Journal
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Protest
• Michigan Advance
• Google News: No Kings protests Michigan

Author: HERE Novi