News Summary
A series of ‘No Kings’ protests will align with a military parade in Washington, D.C., celebrating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and President Trump’s birthday. Over 1,500 protests are scheduled nationwide, particularly in Kentucky, where significant gatherings will occur. Organizers aim to advocate against authoritarianism and reinforce democratic values, while the military parade, costing an estimated $45 million, will not acknowledge the president’s birthday, leading to increased security measures in the capital.
Washington, D.C. – A nationwide series of “No Kings” protests is set to coincide with a military parade in Washington, D.C., which honors the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and celebrates President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday on June 14, 2025. More than 1,500 protests are planned across the country, with significant gatherings scheduled in Kentucky.
The military parade, featuring thousands of U.S. service members, heavy equipment such as tanks, and military aircraft flyovers, is estimated to cost around $45 million. This expenditure includes $16 million allocated for repairs to infrastructure damaged during the parade. President Trump has characterized this expense as “peanuts,” despite opposition from the Pentagon during his first term, which recognized the need to keep the military separate from politics.
In Kentucky, at least 14 “No Kings” protests are planned, highlighting a mobilization of citizens advocating against authoritarianism and in support of democracy. Key locations and times for protests in Kentucky include:
- Lexington: Noon to 3 p.m. EDT at Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza.
- Louisville: Noon to 4 p.m. EDT at Metro City Hall.
- Bowling Green: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. CDT (exact location to be announced).
- Owensboro: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. CDT at a waterfront location.
- Paducah: 1 to 2:30 p.m. CDT at Bob Noble Park.
- Madisonville: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. CDT at a private address.
- Henderson: 6:15 to 8 p.m. CDT at the courthouse.
- Hopkinsville: Noon to 1:30 p.m. CDT at the Justice Center.
- Todd County: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (private address).
- Franklin: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. CDT at 100 North Main St.
- Shelbyville: 1 to 3 p.m. EDT at Stargazer Plaza.
- Danville: 10 to 11 a.m. EDT (private address).
- Morehead: Noon to 2 p.m. EDT at Fountain Park.
- Hazard: Noon to 3 p.m. EDT at Daniel Boone Plaza.
The Army has noted that it will not be recognizing President Trump’s birthday during the parade, which will be a National Special Security Event. Security preparations include over 18 miles of fencing and checkpoints equipped with magnetometers, necessitating extensive coordination among law enforcement agencies.
The protests come in light of various advocacy groups, including the Peaceful Bluegrass Resistance and the Lexington-Fayette NAACP branch, that are banding together to counteract perceived authoritarian tendencies. Organizers emphasize the role of citizen engagement in preserving democratic values and upholding the Constitution, which they believe has been undermined by the current administration.
In a related security measure, National Guard troops are being deployed in cities like Los Angeles in anticipation of protests tied to immigration enforcement, reflecting a broader unease about civil unrest across the country.
While Trump has indicated that any protests during the parade will be met with “very heavy force,” he has described protesters as individuals who “hate our country.” The military is prepared to showcase its capability, with many military vehicles and tanks, including M1 Abrams tanks and heavy artillery, expected to be demonstrated during the parade.
The combination of the celebratory military display and the anticipated protests points to a contentious atmosphere in the nation’s capital as citizens engage in dialogue about government practices and the importance of democratic principles.
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Additional Resources
- Variety: Trump Military Parade Coverage
- Wikipedia: Military Parade
- Bloomberg: DC Military Parade Infrastructure
- Google Search: Trump Military Parade
- NBC News: Trump Warns Protesters
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Protest
- CNN: Army Parade Tanks Arriving
- Google News: Military Parade Washington DC
