As Washington, D.C., gears up for Saturday’s military parade to celebrate President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday, the Army’s 250th birthday, and Flag Day, “No Kings” protests are planned across the country against it. There will also be a high-profile, sold-out stadium event in Chicago featuring Pope Leo XIV, which will compete with Trump’s military parade, and not one, but two protests in Livingston County.
The No Kings protest hosted by Indivisible Livingston County is set for 1-3 p.m. Saturday at the Brighton Mill Pond.
There will also be a No Kings No Clowns rally hosted by SAGE (Stand Against Extremism) from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Howell City Hall, 611 E. Grand River Ave.
These protests are part of the “nationwide day of defiance” planned in opposition to Trump’s military parade, which calls for 6,600 soldiers, at least 150 vehicles and 50 helicopters, at a cost the Army says could be as high as $45 million, according to reporting by NBC News.
“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,” reads the No Kings website.
The No Kings protests happening across the country have also been taking place locally since Trump’s inauguration in January. There have been “Not My Presidents Day” events in February, “Hands Off” protests in April, “May Day” demonstrations last month, and a “Read in Protest” demonstration on June 1.
