On June 14, tens of thousands of Americans filled streets across the country in what has become one of the most coordinated protest efforts in recent U.S. history. Branded the “No Kings” movement, the demonstrations were a pointed response to Donald Trump’s unprecedented 'Flag Day' military parade in Washington, D.C., and a not-so-subtle rebuke of his 79th birthday, which fell on the same day.

So if your feed this weekend has been filled with signs declaring “No Kings,” but you're still piecing together what it all means — and why it matters — here’s what you need to know.

What does ‘No Kings’ actually mean?

The phrase “No Kings” is rooted in a founding principle of the United States: that power belongs to the people, not a ruler. After breaking away from the British Empire, American leaders wanted to build a government that was accountable to its citizens, not one person. The presidency was meant to be a temporary role, held by someone elected to serve the people, not to rule over them.

Put simply, "No Kings" is a rejection of the idea that any one individual should stand above the law. In the context of these protests, it’s a response to the growing sense that Donald Trump is treating the presidency not as a public service, but as a personal crown.

What is the significance of June 14?

June 14 isn’t just Donald Trump’s birthday, although that timing wasn’t lost on organisers. It’s also Flag Day, an American holiday that commemorates the adoption of the U.S. flag in 1777. Traditionally, it’s a day of reflection on national values like freedom, unity, and democracy.

This year, though, those values felt more contested than ever. Instead of a quiet commemoration, Trump used the day to hold the biggest military parade the country has seen in decades — complete with tanks, fighter jets, and military salutes. For many people, the display felt less like patriotism and more like a show of force.

The broader political climate was further shaken by a tragic event in Minnesota just hours before the nationwide protests. Two Democratic politicians were shot in their homes in the middle of the night. One of them, Melissa Hortman, a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, and her husband were fatally shot by a man impersonating a police officer. This incident sparked a large-scale manhunt and raised fears of politically motivated violence, adding tension to an already volatile atmosphere around the protests.

How has Donald Trump responded?

Donald Trump and his administration have defended the military parade and the use of federal troops as necessary measures to restore order and uphold federal authority. They argue that the protests, particularly those that resulted in property damage or clashes with police, are signs of growing extremism and a breakdown of law and order.

How are they related to the ICE protests in LA last week?

The protests against ICE raids in Los Angeles were the kindling that helped ignite “No Kings.” In particular, the scale of Trump's response, especially the federal troop deployment, escalated feelings of discontent amongst the American people. By the time June 14 arrived, LA was already deep in confrontation, and what happened there reverberated nationwide.

Feature image by Mike Newbry via Unsplash.