June 13, 2025
By Rachel Scofield

On June 14 (Flag Day), Washington D.C. will host a celebration honoring both the 250th anniversary of the United States Army and the 79th birthday of President Donald Trump. In response, nationwide more than 1,500 anti-Trump “No Kings” protests are scheduled, including in the local cities of Pickerington, Lancaster, Clintonville, Hilliard, Grove City, Westerville, and Columbus.

According to the No King’s website, “The No Kings Movement is a nationwide grassroots movement against authoritarian overreach and billionaire influence in the U.S. government. With Donald Trump’s policies threatening the balance of power, the movement mobilizes protests, advocacy, and direct action to demand a government those answers to ‘We the People.’”

When asked about the protests at a news conference on Thursday, President Trump responded, “I don’t feel like a king. I have to go through hell to get stuff approved.”

In Pickerington, protesters will gather on all four corners of the intersection of Hill Road and Refugee Road from noon to 2 p.m. Organizers urge attendees to respect nearby businesses by parking in larger lots such as Get Air and the lot behind Walgreens. Carpooling is encouraged.

Pickerington Police Chief Tod Cheney said officers will be monitoring the area but will not be directly involved unless necessary.

“We have had contact with the organizers of the demonstration and reinforced proper procedures and laws to follow,” Cheney said. “They have indicated they sent rules for the demonstration to those who are involved.”

In Lancaster, the protest will be held from noon to 2 p.m. in front of the Fairfield County Courthouse. Participants are encouraged to park in the lots of nearby county government buildings.

In Columbus, members of Indivisible Central Ohio are asking interested participants to register online to either march in the Stonewall Columbus Pride Parade or to collect signatures for a petition.

Saturday’s weather forecasts for both Central Ohio and Washington D.C. predict periods of rain, with thunderstorms possible.