'No Kings' Protests Planned Across Michigan On Saturday

(Source: MIRS.news, Published 06/12/2025) A series of non-violent protests are slated to be held across Michigan on June 14, the birthday of President Donald Trump. More than 70 protests are planned in Michigan, and 1,800 are planned across the country for Saturday.

The statewide demonstrations are part of a larger “No Kings” nationwide protest of the Trump administration’s actions, the latest being deployment of the military to Los Angeles over protests over Immigrations and Customs Enforcement raids in the city.

The “No Kings” protests originated following the president’s call for a military parade in celebration of the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, as well as his own birthday the same day.

The Lansing protest, planned by grassroots network 50501MI, is named “Kick Out the Clowns/ No Kings,” and is planned to be held in the theme of a carnival, with food trucks, games and street performers accompanying the speeches and protest. A mutual aid drive is also planned at the event at the state’s Capitol.

“If Trump wants a birthday party, let’s give him one to remember,” the website for the Lansing protest reads.

Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) said “cruelty is the point” when it comes to Trump invoking the military against protesters in Los Angeles.

“Donald Trump is not a king, he does not rule at the point of a bayonet. Soldiers must never be used against American civilians,” Pohutsky said. “We have a deep tradition of freedom in this country. We were founded on it, and we will not give it up easily, so we are calling on Michiganders to use our freedom and peacefully protest on June 14 all across the state."

Rep. Carrie Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) also called on other elected officials to join the protests, saying the President made clear in his campaign his intention to “use the military to target civilians.”

She also said they need to continue to focus on other actions of the Trump administration, including RFK’s dismissal of the vaccine approval board and Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”, which she said targets food stamps and health care for many Americans. 

Representatives from Michigan advocacy groups present at the call-to-protest included the Sierra Club, 482 Forward, Michigan United Action, the Michigan Resistance Coalition and End Gun Violence Michigan. Detroit Pastor Barry Randolph was also present and said he would be attending the Clark Park Detroit rally.

Colton Hughes, the 50501MI permit holder for the protest, said he has been in contact with the Capitol events coordinator and the Michigan State Police about the event. He said they also told the Lansing Public Safety Department about the protest and that they expect a large turnout on Saturday.