Fact Check: The 'No Kings' protests against Trump's military parade were organized by progressive activists and backed by far-left groups.

Fact Check: "The 'No Kings' protests against Trump's military parade were organized by progressive activists and backed by far-left groups."

What We Know

The "No Kings" protests were organized in response to a military parade planned by the Trump administration, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and Trump's 79th birthday. These protests took place across the United States and even internationally, with estimates of over 5 million participants in more than 2,000 events (NPR, NY Times).

The protests were spearheaded by a coalition of progressive organizations, including MoveOn, the American Civil Liberties Union, and Indivisible, among others. The coalition branded the day as a "day of defiance" against what they described as authoritarian overreach by Trump and his administration (NY Times, ABC News). The protests were characterized by peaceful demonstrations and a focus on First Amendment rights, with organizers emphasizing the need to stand against perceived threats to democracy (NPR).

Analysis

The claim that the "No Kings" protests were organized by progressive activists and backed by far-left groups is substantiated by multiple sources. The protests were indeed organized by a coalition that included well-known progressive organizations, which have a history of opposing Trump’s policies and actions (NPR, NY Times).

The characterization of these groups as "far-left" can be subjective, as it depends on one's political perspective. However, the groups involved, such as MoveOn and the ACLU, are widely recognized as progressive and have been active in various social justice movements. The protests were framed as a response to what organizers viewed as a militaristic display of power, which they likened to authoritarian regimes (ABC News, Washington Post).

While the protests were peaceful, there were instances of political tension, including a violent incident in Virginia where a man drove into a crowd, highlighting the charged atmosphere surrounding the events (NPR). The organizers intentionally chose not to protest in Washington, D.C., to avoid confrontation with law enforcement and to maintain a focus on their message rather than the military parade itself (NY Times).

Overall, the evidence supports the claim that the protests were organized by progressive activists and backed by groups that could be described as far-left, given their political alignment and objectives.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that the "No Kings" protests against Trump's military parade were organized by progressive activists and backed by far-left groups is accurate. The protests were organized by a coalition of progressive organizations that have historically opposed Trump's policies, and they framed the event as a stand against authoritarianism. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms the nature and organization of these protests.

Sources

1. No Kings anti-Trump protests to coincide with Army's parade on Saturday ...
2. What We Know About the 'No Kings' Protests on Saturday
3. Demonstrators rally against Trump at 'No Kings' protests
4. Military parade, big protests will fuel clashing visions of ...
5. Progressives holding 'No Kings Day' protests across the US to counter ...
6. Military Parade - 'No Kings' protests unfold nationwide