Anti-Trump protest planned in Merced. What to know about ‘No Kings’ Day
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” demonstrations are planned at cities across California and the United States — including Merced — June 14 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.
The parade is expected to cost $45 million and could result in $16 million in damage to streets in the nation’s capital, NBC News reports.
“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 June 14 “to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings,” the site said.
When and where is No Kings event planned in Merced?
The No Kings event in Merced will take place at Merced Courthouse Park at the crossroads of M and 21st streets in Merced.
What are your 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.
How can I successfully protest?
Margaret Russell, a professor at the Santa Clara University of Law who specializes in civil human rights, previously told The Bee that peaceful and non-violent approaches to protesting can prove successful.
“Peaceful protests with clearly stated messages and disciplined expression are often the most effective,” Russell said. “They convey their points of view without threat harassment, or enmity.”
Examples of successful protests that have proved to be effective in pushing change include chanting, marching, carrying signs, singing, silence, linking arms or holding hands with allies, Russell said.
“It is counterproductive to engage in any acts of violence, harassment, ridicule or hate,” she said.
To enact change, Russell said “peaceful protest and civil disobedience are two valuable tools” for protesters.
“So are ways of ‘working through the system’ such as running for office, serving on committees, engaging in respectful dialogue, and trying to talk across differences,” she wrote.
This story was inspired by reporting from Sarah Linn at The Sacramento Bee.
