What to know about anti-Trump protests in Michigan
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Workers erect a temporary security fence to expand the secure perimeter of the White House ahead of the June 14 military parade in D.C. Photo: Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images
Protesters are taking to the streets nationwide, including across Michigan, in what organizers expect will be the largest single-day rally against President Trump since the start of his second administration.
Why it matters: The widespread movement will run counter to Trump's multimillion-dollar military parade in D.C. on June 14.
- "No Kings is a nationwide day of defiance," organizers wrote. "From city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, we're taking action to reject authoritarianism."
- More than 100 pro-democracy advocacy groups are partnering to organize the No Kings events.
What they're saying: "Donald Trump wants tanks in the street and a made-for-TV display of dominance for his birthday," the No Kings website said.
- "A spectacle meant to look like strength. But real power isn't staged in Washington. It rises up everywhere else."
By the numbers: Millions of people are estimated to protest in more than 1,500 cities across all 50 states and Puerto Rico, organizers said.
Zoom in: A No Kings rally and march are planned for 1–4pm at Clark Park in Detroit, with food, music and speeches, including from U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib.
- Events are also planned in about 10 other cities in Metro Detroit, including Dearborn, Ferndale, Novi and Romeo. Times vary.
Context: Trump proposed a military parade on his 79th birthday and the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary as a show of U.S. military might.
- The Army predicts it will spend $25 to $45 million on the plan, an estimate that doesn't include Secret Service or law enforcement.
- D.C. is not known for having military parades, but Trump has been vying for one since his first term.
- "When the president came into office on Jan. 20, he made it clear that he wanted to ... feature the United States Army as the first branch of the United States military to be constituted of the American republic," Ambassador Monica Crowley, chief of protocol of the United States, told Axios.
Yes, but: There will be no organized protest in Washington, D.C.
- "We want to create contrast, not conflict," said Leah Greenberg, co-executive director of Indivisible, one of the partner groups.