Cities across the United States are bracing for large-scale demonstrations on Saturday as protesters mobilize against President Donald Trump's leadership, federal immigration raids, and the use of military force against civilians. The protests coincide with the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and Trump's birthday, marked by a major military parade in Washington, D.C. While the largest demonstration is planned in Philadelphia, protests are expected in nearly 2,000 locations across all 50 states. Organizers say the rallies are intended to reject authoritarianism, oppose billionaire-first policies, and stand for democratic principles. National Guard units have been mobilized in several states, and law enforcement agencies have heightened security in anticipation. Republican governors in Virginia, Texas, Nebraska, and Missouri announced emergency deployments of troops to support local police. "If you violate the law, you're going to be arrested," Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin warned. Tensions have escalated following Trump's order to deploy National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles, where protesters blocked freeways and set vehicles on fire. Police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets, and flash-bang grenades, while Democratic governors condemned the response as a dangerous federal overreach. Washington state Gov. Bob Ferguson urged demonstrators to remain peaceful to prevent Trump from sending federal forces to the state. Arizona's Gov. Katie Hobbs also called for calm, encouraging citizens to exercise their First Amendment rights responsibly. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro confirmed his administration is working closely with law enforcement ahead of a demonstration in Philadelphia that could draw up to 100,000 people. Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner emphasized the need for peaceful protest. "If you are doing what Martin Luther King would have done, you're going to be fine," he told reporters, while warning that any unlawful conduct would face consequences. Protests are also expected near Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, where Gov. Ron DeSantis warned demonstrators against unlawful actions. Organizers criticized Trump's military parade — estimated to cost between $25 million and $45 million — as a display of militarization unbecoming of democratic values. "The flag doesn't belong to President Trump. It belongs to us," one organizer said in a statement. Demonstrations are expected to include marches, speeches, and nonviolent civil actions. Participants have been instructed not to carry weapons and to de-escalate any confrontations. Saturday's protests are projected to be the largest single-day mobilization since Trump returned to office, with millions expected to take part nationwide. — Agencies
