Nationwide Protests Planned This Saturday: What We Know
As President Donald Trump attended a military parade in Washington, DC, in June, about 5 million people protested his administration nationwide. Amid an ongoing government shutdown and Trump's plan to deploy National Guard troops, millions are preparing for a second round of protests.
Over 2,500 demonstrations are scheduled across all 50 states on Saturday as part of the "No Kings" protests, rejecting what organizers call Trump's "authoritarian" agenda.
Republican leaders have criticized the protests as anti-American, with House Speaker Mike Johnson suggesting a link between the planned rallies and the government shutdown.
During the first round of protests, Trump issued numerous executive orders targeting various issues, leading to tensions over immigration raids and federalizing the California National Guard against the state governor's wishes.
Protest organizers claim the administration has intensified its actions over the summer, including ICE raids, prosecution of political opponents, challenges against media coverage, and attempts to deploy federal troops into Democratic-led cities.
Despite some Republican politicians branding the upcoming protests as "Hate America" rallies, organizers aim for peaceful demonstrations to contrast the administration's approach.
Ahead of the protests, Texas Governor Greg Abbott directed the state's National Guard to deploy troops to Austin, sparking criticism from Texas Democrats.
Organizers have trained protesters in safety and de-escalation, working with cities with National Guard presence to ensure preparedness. They anticipate millions of people opposing authoritarianism and attacks on rights.
The administration's planned military show in California coincides with the protests, with organizers hoping to build on previous momentum and send a message against federal overreach.
Concerns have been raised about the potential deployment of troops at protests, with experts warning about the impact on First Amendment freedoms and the administration's justification for military intervention.
Law enforcement agencies have been alerted to potential violence at the protests, with recommendations to mitigate risks and establish communication with protest organizers.
Republican lawmakers have criticized the protests as a distraction during the government shutdown, while protest organizers emphasize the diverse political identities and American values represented in the demonstrations.
Indivisible, the organization behind the protests, has faced scrutiny from the administration and conservative figures, highlighting ongoing efforts to suppress opposition and protect constitutional rights.