"It's a super bummer": Ryan Tedder criticizes No Kings protests on US Army's 250th anniversary

OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder is gaining attention for his comments on the No Kings protests. Saturday, June 14, 2025, marked the celebration of the United States Army's 250th anniversary, but the day also saw protests.

The singer-songwriter and producer expressed disappointment over the widespread protests against President Donald Trump that coincided with the anniversary. He called it a "super bummer" that people chose to demonstrate instead of celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States Army.

The US Army celebrated its 250th year of service with a military parade in Washington, D.C. This event was reportedly added at the request of President Trump. The date also happened to be the president's birthday.

In parallel, a coordinated protest movement titled No Kings was being organized across the country, by the 50501 Movement. No Kings was a reaction to what its supporters alleged were the authoritarian aspects of the parade and Trump's presidency. Protestors gathered in multiple cities. Their motto was:

"No thrones, no crowns, no kings."

Celebrities such as Olivia Rodrigo, Mark Ruffalo, Moby, Ayo Edebiri, Gracie Abrams, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus have notably joined the movement. Some marched in person, others used social media to share their messages. Olivia Rodrigo condemned recent ICE raids in Los Angeles and voiced support for immigrants.

Ryan Tedder, however, saw the situation differently. Taking to his Instagram Stories, the OneRepublic singer shared a now-expired post stating that he had over 20 relatives who had served in various US wars, from the Revolutionary War to Korea.

Complete statement from Ryan Tedder

Ryan Tedder's now-expired Instagram Story said:

"I have around 20 family members & grandparents that all fought in wars from the revolutionary war (actually) through to WWII/Korea.. all politics & parties and righteous indignation aside it’s a super bummer that instead of celebrating the 250th anniversary of the US Army and all those who have fought and died on our behalf…"

Ryan Tedder clarified that he does not affiliate with either major political party and finds most political discourse absurd, stating:

"I haven't been a card carrying political member of either side for 20 years & think at this point everything is absurd 99% of the time… but I'd like to say THANK YOU to all of the Army service members active and retired and those who have given their lives to protect our freedom… to protest."

NME reports that in a separate message, Ryan Tedder added,

"Obv we ain't trying to have 'Kings'… but also — 250 years of any Army considering all the lives lost… is major — they deserve to be celebrated. All I'm sayin', maybe I'm nuts."

The No Kings protests came amid rising tensions over federal immigration enforcement. Earlier this month, ICE carried out workplace raids in Los Angeles. Amid protests, President Trump also deployed National Guard units in the city.

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