Demonstrators gathered across the U.S. to protest against President Donald Trump and the policies of his administration.The “No Kings” rallies were organized in nearly 2,000 locations nationwide, including cities, towns, and community spaces.Video above: Anti-Trump demonstrators crowd streets, parks and plazas across the U.S.These protests followed recent unrest over federal immigration raids and Trump’s deployment of the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles, where tensions escalated with protesters blocking a freeway and setting vehicles on fire.Meanwhile, Trump hosted a grand military parade in Washington, D.C., Saturday night to commemorate the Army's 250th anniversary. Many protesters around the country acknowledged the parade in Washington, but didn't feel it represented the ideals of the country. Due to the cost, estimated at up to $45 million, many felt the budget could have gone to more important causes.Some events were met with counter-protesters. In Greenville, South Carolina, protester Donna McSloy said, "We had a person walk by with a Trump flag and, you know, we all just said, 'Oh, you know, whatever,' and we've had people honk at us and put a thumb down. There was never anything violent. We're not here to be violent."Video below: 'No Kings' protest in Greenville, South CarolinaIn Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a demonstrator said, "We should have elected officials and three equal branches of government and checks and balances. Right now, when you have a king, you don't have checks and balances. What one person says, it's what goes, and that is what seems to be happening."In Boston, two causes were in the spotlight, with the "No Kings" protests coinciding with Pride Month celebrations. An estimated crowd of 1 million people came out on Saturday."It’s not just about people who are gay. It's about people who support equality and recognition. Let’s treat every human being with dignity and respect. That’s what it's about," Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said. In Naples, Florida, protesters lamented the fact that taxpayers would be footing the bill for the military parade in Washington, D.C."$100 million just to show off our military?" Naples protester Wendy Hall said. "How about we help our military? Some benefits for the veterans would be awesome.” Not far from Washington, in the Maryland capital of Annapolis, honoring the military was top of mind for some supportive protesters. "Honestly, our military, they're amazing people, and they have protected us and protected our democracy for so long. In our minds, (the president) is taking advantage of that for his birthday, and it's ending up becoming more about him and less about honoring our military," Kelly Kanaras said. Video below: 'No Kings Day' protests held across Maryland on day of military parade Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, an Army veteran, celebrated the U.S. Army's 250th birthday on Friday at Fort Meade."I'm excited we get to celebrate the Army's 250th, and I think as a former paratrooper, I know the chance to go out and celebrate an organization that has meant so much to our nation's history is important," Moore said. "I don't think the president deciding to do a parade in the middle of Washington, D.C. to coincide with his birthday is the best use of time, energy nor resources, but I do think it's important for people to go out and remember what an important contribution the United States Army has made to our nation."Video below: Southwest Florida holds "No Kings" protests For the most part, the protests were considered peaceful, with a large police presence at most of the sites. There were reports of a man driving a car through a group of protesters in Virginia, and a protester was detained in Savannah, Georgia, for wearing a mask.Video below: Protester in Savannah placed in wrist restraints for wearing a mask The protests fell on Flag Day.A boat parade was held on the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers, Florida, to show support for Flag Day, which has been celebrated since the late 1800s.
Demonstrators gathered across the U.S. to protest against President Donald Trump and the policies of his administration.
The “No Kings” rallies were organized in nearly 2,000 locations nationwide, including cities, towns, and community spaces.
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Video above: Anti-Trump demonstrators crowd streets, parks and plazas across the U.S.
These protests followed recent unrest over federal immigration raids and Trump’s deployment of the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles, where tensions escalated with protesters blocking a freeway and setting vehicles on fire.
Meanwhile, Trump hosted a grand military parade in Washington, D.C., Saturday night to commemorate the Army's 250th anniversary.
Many protesters around the country acknowledged the parade in Washington, but didn't feel it represented the ideals of the country.
Due to the cost, estimated at up to $45 million, many felt the budget could have gone to more important causes.
Some events were met with counter-protesters.
In Greenville, South Carolina, protester Donna McSloy said, "We had a person walk by with a Trump flag and, you know, we all just said, 'Oh, you know, whatever,' and we've had people honk at us and put a thumb down. There was never anything violent. We're not here to be violent."
Video below: 'No Kings' protest in Greenville, South Carolina
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In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a demonstrator said, "We should have elected officials and three equal branches of government and checks and balances. Right now, when you have a king, you don't have checks and balances. What one person says, it's what goes, and that is what seems to be happening."
In Boston, two causes were in the spotlight, with the "No Kings" protests coinciding with Pride Month celebrations. An estimated crowd of 1 million people came out on Saturday.
"It’s not just about people who are gay. It's about people who support equality and recognition. Let’s treat every human being with dignity and respect. That’s what it's about," Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said.
In Naples, Florida, protesters lamented the fact that taxpayers would be footing the bill for the military parade in Washington, D.C.
"$100 million just to show off our military?" Naples protester Wendy Hall said. "How about we help our military? Some benefits for the veterans would be awesome.”
Not far from Washington, in the Maryland capital of Annapolis, honoring the military was top of mind for some supportive protesters.
"Honestly, our military, they're amazing people, and they have protected us and protected our democracy for so long. In our minds, (the president) is taking advantage of that for his birthday, and it's ending up becoming more about him and less about honoring our military," Kelly Kanaras said.
Video below: 'No Kings Day' protests held across Maryland on day of military parade
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Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, an Army veteran, celebrated the U.S. Army's 250th birthday on Friday at Fort Meade.
"I'm excited we get to celebrate the Army's 250th, and I think as a former paratrooper, I know the chance to go out and celebrate an organization that has meant so much to our nation's history is important," Moore said. "I don't think the president deciding to do a parade in the middle of Washington, D.C. to coincide with his birthday is the best use of time, energy nor resources, but I do think it's important for people to go out and remember what an important contribution the United States Army has made to our nation."
Video below: Southwest Florida holds "No Kings" protests
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For the most part, the protests were considered peaceful, with a large police presence at most of the sites. There were reports of a man driving a car through a group of protesters in Virginia, and a protester was detained in Savannah, Georgia, for wearing a mask.
Video below: Protester in Savannah placed in wrist restraints for wearing a mask
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The protests fell on Flag Day.
A boat parade was held on the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers, Florida, to show support for Flag Day, which has been celebrated since the late 1800s.