Thousands of protesters were expected to take to streets across Massachusetts on Saturday for "No Kings" demonstrations against President Donald Trump, who will be attending a massive military parade in Washington, D.C., to mark the Army's 250th Anniversary.
Organizers for "No Kings" said protesters would be standing up to the authoritarian excess of the Trump Administration, noting that the military parade in D.C. will cost $150 million of taxpayer dollars at the same time that his proposed budget would cut $1 trillion from Medicaid, Medicare and SNAP benefits.
Stream NBC10 Boston news for free, 24/7, wherever you are.
WATCH HERE"Americans are fighting back against Trump’s attack on our institutions, our economy, our values, especially the U.S. Constitution, and our planet," organizers said in a news release.
Get updates on what's happening in Boston to your inbox with our News Headlines newsletter.
SIGN UP Where are 'No Kings' protest locations in Massachusetts?
Rallies were planned for Boston and 90 other locations across the commonwealth, including Worcester, Springfield, Northampton, Greenfield, Pittsfield and Hyannis.
In Boston, IMC, Swing Blue Alliance, and Mass 50501 folded their events into Boston Pride. IMC marched in the Pride for the People Parade as part of “No Kings” and to support LGBTQ+ allies, and was hosting a booth at the festival on the Common.
Sen. Ed Markey joined the crowd, saying, "We here in Boston, we're celebrating 'No Kings'! Donald Trump is not a king!
The parade's theme, "Here to Stay," pushed back against several Trump administration policies, as did participants.
"We also have to remember that a lot of these civil rights are under attack right now," Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn said. "We have to stand up for equality, respect and divinity for all."
Across the state, many groups organized local marches and rallies.
Congressman Jim McGovern was in attendance at a rally in Worcester, saying, "Donald Trump is moving us toward authoritarianism."
"The cruelty toward immigrants. The indifference toward people who are struggling in this country. We are in trouble," McGovern said. "People need to stand up and they need to speak out.”
Rep. Seth Moulton was set to attend an event in Swampscott, Rep. Lori Trahan in Chelmsford.
In a video posted to social media, Moulton said, "To wrap up this shameful week, Trump is throwing himself a North Korean style birthday parade. Tanks, jets, soldiers marching, while threatening force against anyone who protests it. Trump is hardly celebrating 250 years of independence, he's actively trying to dismantle it. He's waging war on the Constitution to serve himself, and the people who have chosen blind loyalty to him over everything America has stood for, fought for and died for since the Revolution."
"So while Trump plays dictator dress up in DC, I'll be on the North Shore standing with Americans who believe that we don't have kings in America," Moulton continued. "This is a defining moment for America and global stability. I know where I stand. How about you?"
At the many other rallies, marches, speakers, presentations and peaceful actions were planned.
Click here for a list of events by Massachusetts towns.
Mobilize (events, petitions, volunteer opportunities, and actions with 'No Kings') links are here.
Click here for a map of actions in Massachusetts.
Click here for a map of nationwide actions.
Why is it called 'No Kings'?
The “No Kings” theme was orchestrated by the 50501 Movement, to support democracy and against what they call the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration. The name 50501 stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement.
Protests earlier this year have denounced Trump and billionaire adviser Elon Musk. Protesters have called for Trump to be “dethroned” as they compare his actions to that of a king and not a democratically elected president.
Why are they protesting on Saturday?
The "No Kings Day of Defiance" has been organized to reject authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics and the militarization of the country’s democracy, according to a statement by organizers.
Organizers intend for the protests to counter the Army’s 250th anniversary celebration — which Trump has ratcheted up to include a military parade, which is estimated to cost $25 million to $45 million that the Army expects to attract as many as 200,000 people.
The event will feature hundreds of military vehicles and aircraft and thousands of soldiers. It also happens to be Trump’s 79th birthday and Flag Day.
“The flag doesn’t belong to President Trump. It belongs to us,” the “No Kings” website says. “On June 14th, we’re showing up everywhere he isn’t — to say no thrones, no crowns, no kings.”
What is planned at the 'No Kings' protests?
Protests in nearly 2,000 locations are scheduled around the country, from city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, organizers said.
Demonstrations are expected to include speeches and marches, organizers said in a call Wednesday. The group says a core principle behind all “No Kings” events is a commitment to nonviolent action, and participants are expected to seek to de-escalate any confrontation.
No weapons of any kind should be taken to “No Kings” events, according to the website.
How many people are expected to participate?
Organizers for “No Kings” estimate that the combined crowds at the 1,700 nationwide events will surpass the numbers at the “Hands Off” protests in April.
The "No Kings Day of Defiance" is expected to be the largest single-day mobilization since Trump returned to office, organizers said. Organizers said they are preparing for millions of people to take to the streets across all 50 states and commonwealths.
More on Saturday's 'No Kings' protests
The Associated Press contributed to this report
