Jun 10, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Trump pledges "very big force" for June 14 parade protests

Avery Lotz

Trump speaks in the Oval Office as other members of his administration look on. — President Trump — joined by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, OMB Director Russell Vought and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem — delivers a statement in the Oval Office on June 10. Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

President Trump on Tuesday vowed that protests responding to his multimillion dollar military parade in D.C. will be met with "very big force."

The big picture: Demonstrations from coast to coast in hundreds of cities are set to run counter to Trump's parade Saturday, which coincides with his birthday and the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary.

Driving the news: "For those people that want to protest, they're going to be met with very big force," Trump said during an Oval Office press conference, flanked by other members of his administration.

"I haven't even heard about a protest," he said, "but ... this is people that hate our country."

Context: Dozens of groups are partnering to organize "No Kings" events in response to Trump's celebration.

But there is no organized protest for Washington, D.C., Axios' April Rubin reported, as organizers aim to create "contrast" rather than conflict.

Zoom out: Days of protests in Los Angeles over federal immigration enforcement raids have sparked demonstrations in cities around the country.

The LA protests have deepened the feud between Trump and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, after the president federalized the state's National Guard amid the unrest without a request from the governor.
On Tuesday, Trump said other cities across the country can expect large-scale ICE operations.

Go deeper: LA protests: What to know as the National Guard mobilizes

Add Axios on Google

Trump pledges "very big force" for June 14 parade protests

What to read next