Copyright Newsweek
Veterans are set to participate in a day of protests called "Vets Say No" to challenge President Donald Trump's administration on Tuesday. The protests, organized by About Face, a movement of post 9/11 veterans, and May Day Strong, a self-described anti-authoritarian movement, will take place on Veterans Day, November 11, in different cities in states across the country. Newsweek reached out to the event organizers and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by email to comment on this story outside of normal business hours. Why It Matters Since taking office, Trump's popularity has fluctuated and he has been hit with multiple coordinated protests from different groups. These protests, by veterans, are particular significant as nearly 6 in 10 veterans voted for Trump, according to the Associated Press. Maintaining their support will be important for the GOP when voters participate in the November 2026 midterm elections. What To Know The protests are taking place on Veterans Day, a federal holiday that has celebrated those who have served in the U.S. military since 1918, the end of World War. People will participate in events in cities in California, New York, Oregon, Tennessee, Massachusetts and Washington D.C and other states. On their events' pages, the organizers said they had been organized to say "no to ICE, no to occupation, no to fascism, and no to cuts stripping away life saving services our communities need." The organizers said the protests would be nonviolent and that all weapons, even those legally permitted, should not be brought to the events. It added it was targeting "cities Trump has threatened WITH MILITARY OCCUPATION" to "STAND UP FOR democracy, our rights, and each other." It comes as veterans have raised concerns about the Trump administration's veterans policies. The administration has overseen job cuts at the VA which has sparked concerns about the department's ability to administer healthcare. It also follows similar actions from veterans. In March, they joined the "NowDC" march at the National Mall in Washington D.C. to protest the Trump administration's proposed cuts to Social Security, federal job losses for veterans, the pardon of January 6 rioters and reductions in veterans' health care services. Veterans also participated in similar actions in June, amid job cuts at the VA. Meanwhile, other protests by civilian groups including the No Kings movement have drawn large crowds. What People Are Saying The Vets Say No website says: "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." What Happens Next The protests take place on November 11.
