No Kings Day

Two disparate scenes—one based on royal tradition and the other in defiant protest—are presented by the political and cultural landscapes of the United States and the United Kingdom in the middle of June 2025. While the United Kingdom observes "Trooping the Colour," a long-standing royal tradition that commemorates the monarch's official birthday, Americans get ready for "No Kings Day," a nationwide demonstration that reflects poorly on their democratic roots.

No Kings Day is more than just a symbolic act or popular hashtag. A growing civic movement is opposing what many see as an authoritarian trend in American politics, especially in light of former President Donald Trump's proposed birthday celebration with a military theme. His supporters have scheduled rallies for June 14th, which falls on both Flag Day and Trump's birthday. Critics claim that these rallies resemble demonstrations of monarchical power. As a result, thousands of Americans in over 1,500 cities are getting ready for counter-protests with the following catchphrase: “In America, we don’t do kings.”

The takeaway is unmistakable: America was founded on the opposition to monarchy. "No Kings Day" is a constitutional and cultural reminder that democracy needs to be actively safeguarded in addition to being maintained. Many believe that Trump's insistence on military parades and extravagant patriotic displays is more reminiscent of the actions of autocratic than elected regimes.

The UK's "Trooping the Colour" ceremony is still observed as a ceremonial custom across the Atlantic. At the age of 76, King Charles III carries on the 18th-century pageantry. Royal horse parades, military bands, and thousands of soldiers all participate in the event. Although many Britons see it as a representation of history and national pride, some doubt the monarchy's continued relevance in a time when equality, modernity, and public accountability are becoming more and more important.

Despite having different historical roots, these parallel events pose significant queries regarding power, symbolism, and governance. On the one hand, the British monarchy carefully avoids getting involved in politics while embracing its ceremonial role. On the other hand, even though it is elected and temporary, the American presidency has enormous cultural sway and has the potential to blur boundaries when power is unbridled.

"No Kings Day" strikes a chord because of this. It's more than just anti-Trump. It is in favor of democracy. Protesters are worried that the dangerous centralization of power is being concealed by political theater. They contend that the Founding Fathers intended for there to be no one person, regardless of reputation or popularity, to hold absolute power.

Social media is now the main mobilization tool. With the help of grassroots organizers, young leaders, and even veterans who view the demonstration as a fulfillment of their oath to protect democracy, hashtags like #NoKingsDay and #WeThePeople are trending on all platforms. Though tensions are still high as law enforcement prepares for concurrent pro-Trump rallies, the planned protests are mainly peaceful.

These disparate depictions of a nonviolent royal ceremony and fervent protest paint a larger picture of the Western world struggling with its identity on a global scale. Tradition versus change. People versus power. Protest versus pageantry.

In the end, "No Kings Day" gives Americans—and onlookers worldwide—a chance to pause and think. It poses a straightforward but important query: Are we still the democracy we say we are?

Such movements are not only relevant, but also necessary in this day and age, when leaders are becoming more audacious and institutions are being put to the test. Democracy is still a living, breathing system, regardless of whether it is praised in public or contested. It also needs to be protected, just like any other living thing, even from those who want to treat it like a king or queen.