Nationwide Protests Erupt as Millions March Against Trump on Military Parade Day

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — On Saturday, June 14, 2025, millions of demonstrators flooded streets across the United States during coordinated protests against President Donald Trump, coinciding with his military parade in Washington, D.C. Organized under the banner “No Kings,” participants voiced their opposition to what they described as authoritarian governance, particularly regarding immigration policies.

The protests were marked by diverse crowds chanting slogans advocating for democracy and immigrant rights in cities such as New York, Denver, Chicago, Austin, and Philadelphia. In Philadelphia, a gathering at Love Park drew thousands, with attendees waving American flags and holding placards critical of Trump.

The “No Kings” demonstrations came after significant unrest in Los Angeles, where tensions had flared over federal immigration enforcement. In response to the protests that began last week, governors across the nation urged calm and preemptively mobilized National Guard troops.

While most protests remained peaceful, incidents of confrontation were reported, particularly in Los Angeles. There, police utilized tear gas and crowd-control measures to disperse crowds after formal events concluded. Protester Samantha Edgerton, a 37-year-old bartender, criticized the police’s response, stating, “We weren’t doing anything but standing around chanting peaceful protest.”

In Washington, D.C., approximately 200 protesters gathered in Logan Circle, chanting, “Trump must go now.” The atmosphere was lively, with a large puppet representing Trump on a throne, illustrating opposition to his policies.

As demonstrations unfolded nationwide, speakers emphasized themes of unity and resistance against oppression, reinforcing the notion that American values of free speech and democracy were at stake. One speaker, Democratic U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin, rallied participants in Philadelphia by asking, “Are you ready to fight back?”

Despite impending threats to protests, such as the recent violent attack in Minnesota targeting politicians, turnout remained high. Organizers reported that over 5 million people participated in more than 2,000 events both in the U.S. and abroad, including protests in Germany and France.

Participants brandished signs with messages like “fight oligarchy” and rallied support for oppressed communities. However, some attendees expressed apprehension about the political climate, with one protester stating, “It does feel like there’s a vendetta against people who are exercising their rights.”

Throughout the day, demonstrators encountered National Guard troops and law enforcement, with many exhibiting amiable gestures, while others shouted dissent. The collective sentiment, however, was one of integrity and resistance against perceived attempts to undermine democratic norms. As protests continued, one attendee reflected, “I just feel like we need to defend our democracy.”

Even as the military parade continued in Washington, where Trump celebrated his birthday, the protests illustrated a strong counter-narrative emphasizing the commitment to democratic principles and civil rights across the nation.