A nationwide outcry against President Donald Trump and his administration continues to grow as thousands of cities prepare to rally against the military parade in Washington, D.C., this Saturday, which coincides with Trump’s birthday.
“No Kings” protests are planned for Saturday, June 14, in nearly 2,000 cities and towns across the United States. El Paso is included in the cities planning on protesting, with the Indivisible the 915 and EPTX United groups organizing the protest.
The protests coincide with the president’s 79th birthday, Flag Day, and a military parade in Washington, D.C., marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, which will include displays by troops, tanks, and other military equipment. But as tanks drive through the nation’s capital, protesters are raising the concern that Trump has sought to consolidate his power.
“Donald Trump is trying to not be the president of the United States, but he is trying to be a dictator or king,” Jackie Dean, an organizer with Indivisible the 915, said. “The whole purpose of America being what we are today comes from when we fought the revolution and we said ‘no kings.'”
Trump has long sought a military parade in Washington, D.C. The parade is estimated to cost as much as $45 million, according to Reuters.
What are their protests?
The nationwide protests are organized by members of the 50501 movement, which stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement.
The movement emerged early in the Trump administration with protests against Elon Musk and his efforts with the Department of Government Efficiency. Members organized protests at Tesla stores and service centers, including in El Paso.
The protests have also targeted and decried what they say are attacks on the judicial system and the disregard for Congress, which protesters see as allowing for Trump to grab power.
Where will ‘No Kings’ protest be held?
The protest will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1250 Airway Blvd., according to the event website.
Concerns about violence and militarization?
Trump threatened that protesters at the military parade would be met by “force.” Gov. Greg Abbott also promised to deploy the Texas National Guard against protests across the state.
But organizers hope that the protest will remain peaceful and maintain a festive atmosphere, Dean said. El Paso County constables will also be present to help maintain the peace, said Dean.
Mayor Renard Johnson made a news statement ahead of Saturday’s protest, calling for El Pasoans to “come together spirit of nonviolence, mutual respect, and shared purpose.”
He also added that the city developed a public safety plan in coordination with the El Paso Police Department.
“I ask all participants to look out for one another and to demonstrate peacefully,” Johnson said in the news statement. “El Paso is stronger when we come together — and this weekend, we have the opportunity to show that strength once again.
Jeff Abbott covers the border for the El Paso Times and can be reached at:jdabbott@gannett.com; @palabrasdeabajo on Twitter or @palabrasdeabajo.bsky.social on Bluesky.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso prepares for Saturday’s national ‘No Kings’ protest, here is what you need to know
Reporting by Jeff Abbott, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
