On Saturday, President Donald Trump marked the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army with a military parade in Washington, D.C. The event, which featured a grand display of military vehicles and marching soldiers, was a celebration of the nation’s armed forces and coincidentally fell on Trump’s 79th birthday.
However, while the parade celebrated military strength, protests across the country highlighted rising political tensions and opposition to the Trump administration.
The Parade: A Show of Military Power
Trump, joined by First Lady Melania Trump, watched as the parade rolled down Constitution Avenue from a viewing stand near the White House.
The parade included 84 military vehicles, including 28 Abrams tanks, and 6,700 marching soldiers, showcasing the full might of the U.S. military. Trump saluted the troops as they passed by and was also presented with a flag by a soldier who parachuted onto the White House Ellipse.
The president, in his brief remarks, praised the military, emphasizing its strength and power. He declared that the U.S. military had caused “the devil himself” to retreat and sent a stern warning to America’s enemies: “If you threaten the American people, our soldiers are coming for you. Your defeat will be certain.”
Trump also swore in 250 soldiers, offering them a warm welcome into the army, stating, “Welcome to the United States Army and have a great life.”
While Trump celebrated the strength of the military, he framed the parade as a tribute to the nation’s history and military accomplishments, saying, “Today we commemorate a date that did not just change America’s history but the history of the entire world.”
Protests Across the Country: “No Kings Day”
While the military parade unfolded in Washington, protests under the banner of “No Kings Day” took place across the country. This nationwide movement was organized to oppose Trump’s policies, particularly immigration raids and increased deportations.
Demonstrators filled streets from New York to San Francisco, chanting and holding signs against the administration. The protests remained largely peaceful, despite some confrontations in cities like Los Angeles, where police cleared crowds after some protestors allegedly threw objects.
The “No Kings” demonstrations, orchestrated by the 50501 Movement, were focused on rejecting authoritarianism and standing up for immigrant rights. Protesters compared Trump’s actions to that of a king, calling for his “dethronement” and the protection of democracy.
Thousands of people took part, with some marching for hours, echoing chants like “Whose streets? Our streets!” and calling for an end to the militarization of the country.
Security Concerns and Political Context
Security was tight for both the parade and protests, as the U.S. remains on high alert following several high-profile events, including tensions between Israel and Iran and the recent shootings of Minnesota state lawmakers. In addition, National Guard troops had been mobilized to assist law enforcement with potential disruptions.
Trump’s Reaction to Protests
Trump, in his remarks, dismissed the protests, saying, “I don’t feel like a king. I have to go through hell to get stuff approved. A king would say I’m not gonna get this.”
His comments came after protesters, as part of the “No Kings” movement, took to the streets across the nation. Trump’s remark reflected his defense of his leadership, framing himself not as an authoritarian figure but as a president facing resistance in the legislative process.
Controversy Over Parade Costs
While the parade was celebrated as a tribute to the military, it faced criticism due to its hefty price tag. The Army estimated the cost of the event at between $25 million to $45 million, leading to public backlash, particularly from Democrats.
Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) criticized the event, saying, “Money should be put in medical defense research instead of wasted on some pomp and circumstance for the president.” Despite these critiques, Trump brushed them off, focusing on the military’s importance and what he described as the parade’s role in showcasing America’s strength.