by Washington, D.C. – Major U.S. cities are preparing for large-scale Veterans Day demonstrations on Tuesday, November 11, as part of the “Vets Say No” movement — a nationwide protest organized by About Face, a coalition of post-9/11 veterans, and May Day Strong, an anti-authoritarian movement.
The protests are set to challenge several policies of the Trump administration, including those related to immigration, military involvement, and federal budget cuts.
Veterans Take a Stand on Veterans Day
The timing of the protests — on Veterans Day, a federal holiday observed since 1919 to commemorate the end of World War I — underscores the organizers’ message that current government actions betray the very values veterans fought to protect. Demonstrations are expected in California, New York, Oregon, Tennessee, Massachusetts, and Washington, D.C., as well as in other major metropolitan areas.
In a joint statement shared on May Day Strong’s official page, organizers declared the purpose of the protests as saying “no to ICE, no to occupation, no to fascism, and no to cuts stripping away life-saving services our communities need.” The groups emphasized that the demonstrations will remain nonviolent, urging attendees not to bring any weapons, including those that are legally permitted.
Veterans Affairs Responds
A Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) spokesperson told Newsweek that the agency has implemented multiple safeguards to ensure veterans’ access to care and benefits remains unaffected by recent staffing changes and federal budget constraints.
“All VA mission-critical positions are exempt from the DRP [Deferred Resignation Program] and VERA [Voluntary Early Retirement Authority],” the spokesperson said, adding that more than 350,000 positions are protected from the current federal hiring freeze.
Broader Context of Public Unrest
Since President Donald Trump took office, his popularity has fluctuated, marked by waves of organized protests across the country. Many of these movements have voiced concern over cuts to federal funding, immigration enforcement, and economic policies.
Last month, the “No Kings” protests spanned 2,700 locations across the United States and even reached countries such as Germany, Portugal, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the Czech Republic, highlighting growing international attention toward U.S. domestic politics.
Earlier this year, veterans participated in the “NowDC” march at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., protesting the administration’s stance on Social Security, the pardon of January 6 rioters, and other controversial issues.
Growing Pattern of Demonstrations
The upcoming Veterans Day protests are part of a larger pattern of organized dissent. Earlier in the year, over 200 “Make Billionaires Pay” protests were staged nationwide on September 20, demanding tax reforms and greater economic accountability.
Other demonstrations have occurred on Memorial Day weekend, Flag Day, and even on Trump’s birthday. Internationally, a notable protest took place in Scotland, where demonstrators gathered to oppose the former president’s visit to the country.
Voices Behind the Movement
The Vets Say No website released a powerful statement declaring:
“We are watching this administration ruthlessly attack our communities, and we will not stand by. We are saying no for our families, for our communities, and for ourselves: no to cuts, no to troops being deployed in our streets, and no to billionaires bleeding our nation dry.”
Organizers also noted that the chosen protest locations are cities Trump has threatened with military occupation, saying their actions are meant to “stand up for democracy, our rights, and each other.”
What Happens Next
The “Vets Say No” demonstrations are scheduled for Tuesday, November 11, with local gatherings planned in multiple states and federal districts. Law enforcement agencies have reportedly been briefed to prepare for peaceful but sizable crowds.
While the Trump administration has yet to issue a direct response to the planned protests, the events are expected to attract media attention nationwide, reflecting ongoing tensions between the White House and veteran-led activist groups.
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