President Donald Trump on Thursday responded to questions about the upcoming “No Kings” protests during a press conference following the signing of a resolution overturning California’s planned 2035 ban on new gasoline-powered car sales.
The protests, organized by the 50501 Movement and local partners, are set to coincide with a military parade scheduled for Flag Day, June 14, which also marks Trump’s birthday. Trump dismissed the notion Thursday that the parade reflects an attempt to project a king-like image.
“I don’t feel like a king. I have to go through hell to get stuff approved.” Trump said. “[A king] wouldn’t have to call up Mike Johnson and Thune and say, ‘Fellas, you gotta pull this off,’ and after years, we get it done.”
The “No Kings” protests, branded as “No Kings Day,” involve over 1,500 events, including rallies and marches across the country. The movement’s website criticizes the administration, alleging it has “defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights, and slashed our services.”
The group emphasizes nonviolence, urging participants to leave all weapons at home, including those legally permitted.
The protests focus on the Flag Day military parade, the first of its kind since 1991, when President George H.W. Bush celebrated the Gulf War’s success. No military parade has marked Flag Day since President Franklin Roosevelt’s “New York at War” event in 1942.
Critics, including No Kings organizer Ezra Levin, argue the parade is a self-aggrandizing move by Trump.
“This guy’s a big baby, he’s throwing himself a big military parade for his birthday. We, the people, where power actually originates in this country, we’re everywhere else,” Levin said.
A video on the No Kings website features an AI-generated image of Trump wearing a crown, posted by the White House’s X account with the caption “LONG LIVE THE KING!”
Trump has warned that protesters will face “very big force,” raising concerns about potential confrontations. However, the parade’s future is uncertain due to weather concerns.
The controversy underscores tensions between the administration and critics who view the parade as an overreach of executive power, while supporters see it as a patriotic celebration of Flag Day.
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Author: JBaron
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