(Scypre.com) – Across the United States, major cities are on high alert today as security forces brace for mass demonstrations coinciding with former President Donald Trump’s highly controversial military parade in Washington, D.C. The parade, set to begin this evening on Constitution Avenue, commemorates the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and Trump’s 79th birthday. It features over 6,600 active-duty troops, 150 armored vehicles, and dozens of military aircraft. While the event is intended to project patriotism and national strength, critics argue it resembles authoritarian displays of power more common in non-democratic regimes.
In response, a decentralized protest movement under the banner “No Kings Day” has erupted nationwide. Organizers have staged over 1,500 events across all 50 states, intentionally avoiding Washington, D.C., and focusing instead on cities like New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Los Angeles. With the slogan “No Kings. No Thrones,” demonstrators seek to challenge what they see as a dangerous glorification of militarism and executive overreach. The protests are largely peaceful, backed by coalitions of students, veterans, and progressive organizations. Many have undergone non-violence training and are coordinating with local law enforcement to avoid escalation.
Despite those efforts, violence has already flared in Los Angeles, where protesters clashed with police late Friday night after a heated demonstration outside a federal ICE facility. Authorities deployed tear gas and flash-bang grenades to disperse the crowd, and a citywide curfew was imposed shortly after. Reports indicate several officers were injured, and at least two protesters were hospitalized. In Washington, a group of armed veterans staged a sit-in near the Capitol building early this morning, resulting in approximately 60 arrests. Officials say they were protesting the use of ICE raids during the parade weekend.
City leaders have responded with a mix of caution and force. The NYPD is deploying thousands of officers across multiple boroughs in anticipation of large-scale rallies. Mayor Eric Adams has warned of potential “outside agitators” seeking to hijack peaceful events. California Governor Gavin Newsom, meanwhile, remains locked in a legal battle with federal authorities over the deployment of National Guard troops, some of whom were federalized for the parade. In Los Angeles, U.S. Marines have now taken over security duties at federal installations, freeing up National Guard personnel for potential riot control.
President Trump, who has repeatedly denied any autocratic intentions, dismissed concerns about the protests in a televised interview, stating, “I don’t feel like a king… we’re not a king at all.” Nevertheless, his critics argue the parade’s tone and spectacle say otherwise. Trump’s supporters, on the other hand, view the event as a bold display of patriotism and military pride. Some have organized counter-rallies, while others plan to attend the parade in person, waving flags and chanting slogans in support of his leadership.
Public and political reactions have been sharply divided. Democratic leaders have voiced support for the protesters’ right to demonstrate while condemning any violence. Civil rights organizations have criticized the cost of the parade—estimated between $25 million and $45 million—especially as federal programs face cuts. A recent AP-NORC poll revealed that 60% of Americans believe the parade is an irresponsible use of taxpayer money, while 40% support it.
As the day unfolds, protests are expected to intensify, particularly in urban centers where tensions are highest. The parade is set to continue as planned, with festival activities beginning in the morning and culminating in a fireworks show tonight. Meanwhile, legal proceedings regarding the use of state troops and the right to protest are ongoing. For many Americans, today serves not as a day of unity, but as a vivid display of the nation’s widening political and ideological divide.