Washington, D.C. — A military parade, long desired by President Donald Trump, took place on Saturday, showcasing an impressive display of tanks, troops, and a 21-gun salute along Constitution Avenue. This event coincided with significant protests across the country, as many citizens criticized the U.S. president’s perceived authoritarian tendencies.
Despite inclement weather that included light rain, the grand display of American military power unfolded as President Trump, celebrating his 79th birthday, watched from a special viewing stand situated south of the White House. The procession, which featured over 6,000 soldiers and 128 Army tanks, was a culmination of Trump’s efforts to enact a military parade that began shortly after his observation of a similar event in Paris in 2017. Plans had been revived and integrated into festivities marking the Army’s 250th anniversary.
“Every other country celebrates their victories. It’s about time America did too,” Trump remarked at the conclusion of the parade, commending the strength of U.S. military personnel and reiterating his campaign mantra of ‘fight, fight fight, and win, win, win.’ At the onset of the parade, the Army’s Golden Knights parachute team descended into the National Mall, despite weather conditions prompting an earlier-than-scheduled jump.
As troops marched by, Trump occasionally stood to salute them, though overall attendance for the event fell significantly short of early estimates projecting attendance of around 200,000. Gaps between viewers were noticeable near the Washington Monument as steamy weather combined with the threat of thunderstorms likely impacted turnout.
Prior to the commencement of festivities, demonstrators gathered in various streets and parks nationwide to express their opposition to Trump’s military showcase and his administration’s policies, particularly criticisms of his use of military forces against protesters. Reports indicated many were concerned about Trump’s attempts to employ military force in domestic situations, citing recent actions in Los Angeles related to immigration raids as exacerbating tensions.
On the West Coast, the Marines deployed under Trump’s order to provide security during protests were first seen protecting a federal building, standing alongside National Guard and federal law enforcement as demonstrators confronted them with signs urging them to leave. As tensions escalated in Los Angeles, police charged at protesters on horseback, leading to chaos and causing injuries among demonstrators.
In Washington, dozens rallied against Trump, many carrying signs with slogans like “Where’s the due process?” and “No to Trump’s fascist military parade.” A striking puppet representation of Trump, complete with a crown and decorated as a caricature sitting on a golden toilet, was paraded among the crowd, emphasizing the message of the protests.
Rallies branded “No Kings” emerged in hundreds of cities as a counter-response designed to criticize what organizers view as Trump’s attempts to bolster his ego on his birthday and Flag Day. The rhetoric surrounding these protests framed them as a defense of democracy and as resistance to perceived authoritarianism from the Trump administration.
In conjunction with the Army’s birthday celebrations on the National Mall, a showcase included armored vehicles and military equipment, while vendors sold military-themed gear alongside Trump merchandise. Attendees included veterans and supporters of the president, but sentiments varied regarding the parade’s purpose and its associated costs.
Larry Stallard, a retired pilot and Trump supporter from Kansas City, expressed his disbelief regarding public criticism over the parade’s cost, arguing that government expenditures on less pressing matters often exceed this event’s budget. Conversely, Navy veteran Doug Haynes, who commented that while he attended to honor the Army, he perceived aspects of the parade as excessive, particularly the use of tanks to roll through the streets, characterizing it as an assertive statement to the international community.
The parade had been incorporated into the Army’s birthday festivities a mere two months prior and faced scrutiny due to its estimated expenses of up to $45 million. Concerns about potential damage to city streets caused by tanks prompted the Army to take protective measures, including placing metal plates along the parade route.
Polling conducted by The Associated Press – NORC Center for Public Affairs Research revealed that about 60% of Americans believed the parade was not a prudent use of government funds, with 78% of those surveyed registering as ambivalent about the parade as a whole.
Kathy Straus traveled from Richmond to participate in the parade while carrying a sign decrying the event’s expenses and arguing that such funds could be better utilized to provide for veterans in need. She expressed her belief that her presence at the parade would carry more weight than attending a protest with people sharing her views.
The parade progressed down Constitution Avenue, flanked by security barriers and fencing. A flyover by military aircraft featured World War II planes, including the B-25 Mitchell bomber, and low-flying Army helicopters overshadowed the parade route. The event also included mounted soldiers from the 1st Cavalry Division, a nod to past military practices, though contemporary use of horses is mostly ceremonial.
President Trump officiated the swearing-in of 250 new recruits and re-enlisted soldiers, guiding them through an oath as they embarked on their military journey. “Welcome to the United States Army! And have a great life,” he concluded, marking a moment of patriotic significance amid the celebrations.
Entertainment included performances by country singer Warren Zeiders and Lee Greenwood, famed for “God Bless the U.S.A.” The evening’s festivities were capped with a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the sky.
However, plans for a U.S. Air Force fighter jet flyover were scrapped due to adverse weather conditions, leaving attendees without one of the event’s anticipated highlights.
As a nation’s mood shifted back and forth between celebration and dissent, this day encapsulated stark contrasts in American society, with military pride clashing against voices demanding accountability and respect for democratic principles.
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