‘No Kings’ anti-Trump protests planned across California. See when and where
Saturday, June 14 — Flag Day — will have special significance in 2025.
In addition to celebrating the Stars and Stripes, President Donald Trump’s administration will stage a massive military parade in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday. The lavish event will coincide with Trump’s 79th birthday.
Scores of “No Kings Day” demonstrations are planned across the country on Saturday to protest Trump and his administration’s policies.
Here’s what to know:
What’s happening in Washington, D.C., on Saturday?
The U.S. Army’s Grand Military Parade in Washington, D.C., on Saturday will feature approximately 6,600 soldiers, 150 military vehicles and 50 helicopters, The Associated Press reported.
“This historic celebration will feature powerful displays of patriotism, including flyovers, military vehicles, living history reenactments and moving tributes to the courage, sacrifice and commitment of our men and women in uniform,” organizers said on the America250 website.
Also in store are fireworks, a demonstration by the Army’s Golden Knights Parachute team and a concert with country music performers, according to Axios.
Why are people protesting President Trump?
Critics have questioned Trump’s decision to throw an expensive military parade at a time when service members, veterans and their families are being affected by cuts to federal programs and services.
Saturday’s parade is expected to cost $45 million and could result in $16 million in damage to streets in the nation’s capital, NBC News reported.
“The money spent on this parade could fund care for thousands of homeless veterans or preserve hundreds of jobs at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs,” Allison McManus, Center for American Progress managing director of national security and international policy, wrote in a Thursday, June 5 article.
What is No Kings Day?
Organizers describe No Kings as a “nationwide day of defiance.”
“From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, we’re taking action to reject authoritarianism — and show the world what democracy really looks like,” organizers said on the official No Kings website.
Several grassroots political organizations — including 50501, Indivisible and Stand Up America — are joining forces on Saturday “to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings,” the site said.
Where are No Kings events planned in California?
Dozens of demonstrations are planned in California for No Kings Day on Sunday:
They include:
Fresno: North Blackstone Avenue and East Nees Avenue
Fresno: Fashion Fair mall, Shaw Avenue and First Street
Los Angeles: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Los Angeles City Hall, 200 North Spring St.
Merced: 10 a.m. to noon at Merced Courthouse Park, M and 21st streets
Modesto: Noon to 2 p.m. at Graceada Park, 401 Needham St.
- Sacramento: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at California State Capitol, West Steps, 10th and L streets
- Santa Barbara: 10:30 a.m. to noon at Chase Palm Park, 236 East Cabrillo Blvd.
- San Diego: 10 am. to 1 p.m. at Civic Center Plaza, 1200 Third Ave.
- San Francisco: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Dolores Park to Civic Center Plaza
San Jose: Noon to 2 p.m. at St. James Park, 180 North First St.
- San Luis Obispo: 10:30 a.m. to noon at San Luis Obispo Superior Courthouse, 1050 Monterey St.
- Ventura: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ventura County Government Center Hall of Justice, 800 South Victoria Ave.
What are your civil rights while protesting?
According to the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California, the First Amendment protects the right to organize a protest, express your opinion and photograph events while on public property.
“The First Amendment and the California Constitution protects your right to expressive speech,” Chessie Thacher, a senior staff attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California, previously told The Sacramento Bee. “That means that you have the right to say what you want to say, but with exceptions.” These exceptions include true threats, defamation, harassment and obscenities.
When can police interfere with protests?
When protesters fail to comply with legal restrictions, such as evoking violence, law enforcement can intervene, the ACLU website says.
“Civil disobedience is a public, nonviolent, conscientious yet political act contrary to law, usually aimed at bringing about a change of the law or government policy,” as defined by the U.S. Department of Justice.
However, “civil disobedience is not protected speech under the Constitution,” according to the University of California, Los Angeles Police Department.
An act of civil disobedience includes sitting on a public road to block traffic.
This story was inspired by reporting from Angela Rodriguez at The Sacramento Bee.
This story was originally published June 6, 2025 at 9:28 AM with the headline "‘No Kings’ anti-Trump protests planned across California. See when and where."
