Alabama Joins Nationwide Protests Against Trump’s $45M Military Parade on June 14

Alabama Communities Join Nationwide Protest Against Trump’s $45 Million Military Parade

On June 14, a day marked as Flag Day in the U.S., thirteen communities across Alabama are stepping up to join a massive, nationwide protest against President Donald Trump’s controversial $45 million military parade planned for the same day. The event, called No Kings: Nationwide Day of Defiance, is part of a broader movement known as Indivisible, which has rallied thousands of communities across the country to take a stand.

What’s Behind the No Kings Movement?

According to the No Kings website, this parade is much more than just a celebration of the Army’s birthday or the President’s birthday—it’s “a made-for-TV display of dominance.” The organizers argue that while the White House is staging a spectacle designed to showcase power, true strength doesn’t come from these kinds of pageants. Instead, they say, real power “rises up everywhere else,” in everyday people and communities nationwide.

This protest isn’t just about opposing a parade; it’s a broader critique of the priorities and policies under President Trump’s administration. The movement emphasizes that the parade’s $45 million price tag is a massive waste, especially when weighed against other pressing issues affecting Americans.

Alabama’s Response: 13 Cities, One Voice

Alabama’s own thirteen cities are set to host protests, including Birmingham, Mobile, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, Huntsville, Scottsboro, Fort Payne, Guntersville, Jacksonville, Auburn, Dadeville, Selma, and Dothan. With over 1,700 communities nationwide participating, Alabama’s turnout reflects a significant local resistance to the parade—and what it represents.

The Montgomery chapter of the 50501 Movement put it bluntly in their press release: “The Army’s birthday isn’t about venerating the President on the taxpayers’ dime. It’s about celebrating our strength as a nation — for the people and by the people.” They also pointed out a key concern about Trump’s apparent disregard for constitutional limits, stating that their protest includes opposition to any president overstaying their welcome.

Why is this important? Because earlier this year, in an interview with NBC News, Trump hinted at exploring the possibility of running for a third term, which would directly violate the 22nd Amendment of the Constitution. This has caused alarm among many activists and citizens who fear the erosion of democratic norms.

More Than Just a Parade Protest: The Bigger Picture

The No Kings Day protests are also a reaction to several other policies under Trump’s administration. One major grievance is the administration’s aggressive immigration crackdown, which has resulted in the deportation of over 100,000 people.

In Birmingham, the local Indivisible chapter issued a strong statement that shines a light on the broader social issues at play:

“While immigrant families are torn apart—some U.S. citizens wrongly jailed or detained by masked ICE officials—while voting rights are stripped away, the federal deficit hits record highs, healthcare remains out of reach, and the cost of medicine keeps climbing beyond what hardworking Americans can afford—President Trump chooses to throw a lavish, unnecessary military parade.”

This sums up the frustration of many who feel the government’s priorities are misplaced, spending millions on pomp and circumstance while many Americans are struggling with real challenges.

Intersection with Other Social Movements

The protests in Birmingham will coincide with the annual Central Alabama Pride celebration, reflecting a broader coalition of activists fighting for justice and equality.

BHM Indivisible emphasized their support for LGBTQ+ rights in a recent statement:

“Our events strongly support Central Alabama Pride and their mission to celebrate and protect LGBTQ+ rights. Together, we are uniting in resistance—standing up for democracy, equality, and inclusion.”

This alignment with Pride highlights how the No Kings protests are part of a wider pushback against policies and rhetoric seen as divisive and harmful to marginalized communities.

How to Get Involved

If you’re interested in joining a No Kings protest near you, the organizers encourage you to visit their website, where a map with RSVP options makes it easy to find an event and sign up. The goal is to bring together a diverse coalition of citizens who want to stand up for democracy, community power, and real justice.

The Pushback: Threats from Law Enforcement Raise Tensions

While the No Kings organizers have stressed that these protests will be peaceful, not everyone is on board. In Mobile County, Sheriff Paul Burch made headlines for comments that many saw as threatening.

During a recent interview on the FM Talk 106.5 show Midday Mobile, Sheriff Burch said:

“Nothing will happen to you if you hit protesters blocking the interstate.”

He also warned that if his officers face violent attacks—like the firebombs thrown during anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles—they would respond with “deadly force.”

His blunt statement, “Our policy is you meet deadly force with deadly force,” sparked widespread backlash and concern among protest organizers and civil rights advocates.

After the public outcry, Burch attempted to clarify his remarks in an interview with AL.com:

“I didn’t, by any means, insinuate plowing through a crowd at 55 mph. But when you start blocking highways and roadways, it’s no longer a protest, it’s rioting behavior.”

He added,

“If someone is too stupid to move out of the way, that’s on them.”

Burch acknowledged the need for safety but emphasized that protesters should not impede emergency access or block families trying to get through traffic. Still, his comments left many feeling uneasy about how law enforcement might respond on June 14.

Organizers Respond: Commitment to Peaceful Protest

Maura Mandyck, an organizer with Indivisible Mobile, spoke out in response to Sheriff Burch’s remarks. While appreciative that the sheriff recognized the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, she warned that language about “rioters” could escalate tensions unnecessarily.

She said,

“When law enforcement starts talking about what they would do to ‘rioters,’ it plants a seed in people’s minds that violence is expected. And when you tell people to prepare to defend themselves against these so-called rioters, you risk creating a self-fulfilling prophecy.”

Mandyck pointed out that so far in 2025, Mobile has seen six protests—all of which have been completely peaceful. The No Kings movement is determined to keep it that way, focusing on nonviolent demonstration as a way to make their voices heard.

Why This Matters: Beyond the Parade

At its core, the No Kings protests are about more than just opposing a flashy military parade. They reflect deep frustrations with political leadership, concerns about constitutional norms, and a call for justice across multiple fronts—from immigration to healthcare to voting rights.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• $45 Million Parade: Seen by critics as a wasteful display during tough economic times.

• Constitutional Concerns: Alarm over Trump’s hints at breaking the 22nd Amendment by seeking a third term.

• Immigration Crackdown: Over 100,000 deportations, family separations, and civil rights violations.

• Social Justice: Alliances with LGBTQ+ groups and defenders of voting rights.

• Peaceful Resistance: A commitment to nonviolent protest amid concerns about law enforcement response.

Alabama’s thirteen cities and the nationwide network of 1,700 communities are standing together to say no to what they see as abuses of power and misplaced priorities.