Thousands pack downtown Ann Arbor for nationwide ‘No Kings’ protests

Metro Detroiters protest President Trump’s military parade

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Thousands of demonstrators packed downtown Ann Arbor on Saturday evening, gathering in front of the city’s federal building as part of the nationwide “No Kings” protests against President Donald Trump’s military parade in Washington, D.C.

The Ann Arbor demonstration was one of hundreds planned across the country, as protesters voiced opposition to what they view as an inappropriate display of military force amid ongoing immigration tensions.

“It’s disgusting. It’s terrifying,” protestor Judy Galens said. “The thought of tanks rolling down the streets in D.C. makes my stomach turn, because that’s not the kind of thing that we do in the United States.”

John Goodridge, a veteran whose son serves as an active-duty military member, shared his concern about the use of military personnel and equipment for political purposes.

“It’s a tragedy to use them as political props,” Goodridge said. “Any of those people that protest in Washington, D.C., they are not protesting against our troops. They’re protesting the wrong use of them.”

Also top of mind for protestors was proposed cuts to federal assistance programs. Several demonstrators voiced concerns about potential reductions to Medicaid and SNAP benefits, which could affect millions of Americans across economic classes.

“I don’t think people even realize the hardships that are going to come to everyday Americans from the middle class down,” protestor Marcie Vanblack said.

The demonstrations come at a particularly tense time, following the recent deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles in response to immigration protests.

“We’re out here to peacefully protest and show that we are a loving country, a loving community, and we’re here to oppose this tyrannical rule,” protestor Evan Schlitt said.

The “No Kings” protests, organized by the 50501 Movement, have drawn millions of participants across all 50 states, according to organizers.