The No Kings Day nationwide protest was organized in response to Donald Trump's military parade in Washington DC.
Ostensibly, the parade was meant to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the United States Army. In reality, Trump organized it for his birthday (which by an unfortunate coincidence falls on the same day as the Army's birthday) because he wants to be praised, fawned over and worshipped like a king.
Had the Army's 250th Anniversary not fallen on Trump's birthday, the Army would have merely had a few demonstrations and some activities for the public. But because Trump wanted to use the opportunity for self-adulation on his birthday, it turned into a $45 million parade with tanks, troops and aircraft.
It is worth noting at this point that Trump and his henchmen have convinced their followers that they must make drastic cuts to public services such as healthcare, Social Security and children's programming like Sesame Street to save money because the country is in dire straits financially. But somehow there is enough money for a 45 million dollar North Korean-style military spectacle.
No Kings Day saw thousands of protests across the nation happen, with one of the largest here in New York City, despite chilly and rainy June weather. Some reports say over 100,000 people hit the streets and marched from Bryant Park to Madison Square Park. Protests in other cities also drew unusually large crowds.
And finally, it appears that Trump's DC parade is a flop - it is far less-attended than expected, with sparse crowds (much like his first inauguration) and bored onlookers. From the footage circulating on social media the parade itself can only be described as a grim and embarrassing display of miserable-looking troops and drab vehicles. In fact it seems that more people were at the New York City protest than at Trump's little birthday parade.
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All photos in this article were taken at the No Kings rally and march in New York City on June 14th, 2025 using a Nikon D700 and 50mm f1.8D lens.