Military equipment headed to DC ahead of Trump’s birthday parade
Battle tanks, fighting vehicles and infantry carriers departed Texas for D.C. for President Trump’s military parade.
- Protests called “No Kings” are planned nationwide on June 14, coinciding with President Trump’s 79th birthday and the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary parade.
- The protests aim to counter what organizers describe as a lavish military parade intended to boost the president’s ego.
- The “No Kings” protests are organized by Indivisible and the 50501 Movement, with events planned in numerous cities across Florida.
- There are two “No Kings” protests planned on Saturday, June 14 in Pensacola, Florida.
Florida joins the nationwide anti-Trump protests planned for this weekend, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday and the U.S. Army’s 250th Birthday Parade.
Over 700 “No Kings” protests, including over 75 in Florida, are scheduled for Saturday, June 14, according to the “No Kings” protest map.
“President Trump wants tanks in the street and a made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday. A spectacle meant to look like strength. But real power isn’t staged in Washington. It rises up everywhere else,” the website states.
The administration said that the Army’s anniversary and Trump’s birthday are coincidental and that the parade is justified to honor soldiers’ sacrifices; however, USA TODAY notes that similar plans to celebrate other branches, including the Navy and Marines, are currently nonexistent.
Is Pensacola among the “No Kings” Florida protest locations? Here’s what to know before this weekend.
What are the ‘No Kings’ protests? When are the protests?
“No Kings National Day of Defiance” — or simply protests called “No Kings” — seeks to counter Trump’s multimillion-dollar military parade in D.C. These protests are being planned nationwide on Saturday, June 14, which also falls on Flag Day, the Army’s 250th anniversary celebration and Trump’s birthday.
“No Kings is 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,” the website says.
Continued: “On June 14th, we’re showing up everywhere he isn’t — to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings.”
The website says all participants are expected to try to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with its values and to act lawfully at these protests. They advise that weapons should not be brought to the protest.
When and where is the June 14 D.C. military parade?
The military parade, which will span six blocks and bisect the National Mall, will take place on Saturday, June 14, in the heart of Washington, D.C. Organizers say the procession will begin at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Events from the 250th birthday celebration, including the parade, will be live-streamed on all U.S. Army social media platforms.
Who are the organizers behind the ‘No Kings’ protests?
Indivisible is partnering with 50501 and dozens of other advocacy groups to promote the anti-Trump movement nationwide.
Indivisible, a grassroots political activism group focused on progressive causes, was founded in response to Trump’s 2016 presidential election. The network has branched into a statewide network of groups, including over 75 in Florida.
The 50501 Movement is a grassroots initiative formed on Reddit under the hashtag #50501 in the early days of Trump’s second inauguration. It stands for 50 protests in 50 states on 1 day, which has since evolved to 50 states, 50 protests, and one movement.
Are there any “No Kings” protests in Pensacola?
There are two “No Kings” protests scheduled for Saturday, June 14 in Pensacola:
“No Kings” protests near me; see Florida protests list by city
According to the No Kings website, over 75 protests (including multiple in the same city) are planned across Florida as of June 11:
What to know before attending any protests in Florida
Human Rights Campaign has tips for those participating in a peaceful protest to help ensure their safety and well-being:
- Properly prepare: Dress for the weather, pack the necessary supplies (cash, water, extra battery, etc), have at least one emergency contact, and plan to share your status throughout the protest.
- Know the environment: Research the location beforehand and have an offline-accessible map to reference if the service is spotty. Have multiple routes into and out of the protest area.
- Stay Aware: Maintain “360 situational awareness”— always know what is happening around you. If you see something, say something.
- Observe, Orient, Decide, Act: The “OODA Loop” (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) is a helpful framework to stay calm and make decisions during high-stress situations:
- Observe: Identify the source of danger and your surroundings
- Orient: Determine where you are and where you need to go
- Decide: Choose a course of action that minimizes risk
- Act: Implement your decision and stay aware of changes in the environment
