What is the "No Kings Day" protest about?
FILE-Demonstrators hold signs during the No Kings Day protest to oppose the Trump administration's policies. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
"No Kings Day" protests are being held nationwide this weekend to protest President Donald Trump’s policies.
Demonstrators are expected to rally in almost 2,000 cities on Saturday, and it will coincide with Trump’s military parade, commemorating the Army’s 250th anniversary, which also happens to be the president’s birthday and Flag Day.
What are the "No Kings Day" protests about?
Why you should care:
The No Kings Day of Defiance has been organized to reject authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics, and the militarization of the country’s democracy, according to a statement by organizers.
The No Kings Day of Defiance is expected to be the largest single-day mobilization since Trump returned to office, organizers said. Organizers said they are preparing for millions of people to take to the streets across all 50 states and commonwealths.
RELATED: No Kings protests will rally against Trump Saturday: What to know
Organizers want the protests to counter the Army’s 250th anniversary celebration — which Trump has ratcheted up to include an expensive, lavish military parade.
People of all ages are expected to come together in the protest locations for speeches, marching, carrying signs, and waving American flags, the Associated Press reported, citing a call from organizers.
These protests aren’t scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C. where the military parade will be held, but they are happening in other cities. According to the 50501 Movement website, the organization states that the core principle behind all "No Kings" events is a commitment to nonviolent action, and participants are expected to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation. No weapons of any kind should be taken to "No Kings" events, the website noted.
What does "No Kings Day" mean?
The backstory:
The "No Kings" theme was arranged by the 50501 Movement, a national movement made up of everyday Americans who stand for democracy and against what they call the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration. The name 50501 stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement.
Earlier this year, protests were held to condemn President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, the ex-leader of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, a government organization designed to slash federal spending. Demonstrators have called for Trump to be "dethroned" as they compare his actions to those of a king and not a democratically elected president.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by previous LIVENOW from FOX reporting and the Associated Press, which cites comments from protest organizers. This story was reported from Washington, D.C.