On a significant day marked by both celebration and tension, U.S. President Donald Trump’s long-anticipated military parade rolled through downtown Washington. While the event was intended to honor the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, it was overshadowed by a series of protests and violence.
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Before the parade commenced, hundreds of thousands took to the streets across cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Demonstrators voiced their dissent against Trump’s policies, representing the largest protests since his return to power in January. As civil rights advocate Harriet Tubman once said, “Every great dream begins with a dreamer,” and today, those dreamers are making their voices heard.
Oddly enough, the parade began earlier than planned due to forecasts predicting thunderstorms in the D.C. area. With tanks, armored personnel carriers, and artillery rumbling down Constitution Avenue, such displays of military might remain a rarity in the United States–an event reminiscent of parades more commonly seen in capitals like Moscow or Pyongyang.
Watch as Donald Trump salutes during the military parade in Washington.
Thousands lined the parade route, with attendees gathered from both sides. Trump observed the activities from a secure elevated viewing stand, protected by bulletproof glass. In contrast, some of his critics found their spot along the route, holding protest signs while local police ensured the two groups remained separate.
Chants of “USA! USA!” erupted as Trump addressed the crowds from a giant stage in front of the White House. However, the atmosphere was dampened by the tragic news of a targeted attack in Minnesota that claimed the lives of Democratic politician Melissa Hortman and her husband. Trump made a point to condemn this act of violence, emphasizing the need for unity.
As Trump has often expressed, he dreams of a display like this—his vision has materialized into a dazzling $45 million spectacle. The parade commenced with a 21-gun salute, followed by a flag presentation from the army’s Golden Knights parachute team, illustrating the impressive scale of the event.
With nearly 7,000 troops and 150 vehicles, including over 25 M1 Abrams tanks, the parade showcased the rich history of the Army from its Revolutionary War origins to the present. Trump frequently acknowledged soldiers with salutes as they marched by, under the watchful eyes of cabinet members like Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Initially advocating for a military parade during his first term, Trump’s dream was realized reminiscent of 1991, when troops celebrated the Gulf War’s conclusion. The costs have drawn criticism, labeled as an extravagant and authoritarian display, especially as Trump pushes for budget cuts across the federal government.
Bryan Henrie, a Trump supporter, remarked, “I don’t see a controversy. I will celebrate safety and stability any day over anarchy.”
While residents in Washington and other cities engaged in largely peaceful protests against Trump’s administration, tensions escalated in Los Angeles. Police clashed with protesters, employing crowd control measures as demonstrators responded with fireworks and bottles. Some wore gas masks and helmets, vowing to remain present despite the chaos.
Within these protests, California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized Trump for deploying National Guard troops without consent, labeling the move a “vulgar display of weakness.” The “No Kings” theme resonated in demonstrations nationwide, asserting that no one is above the law.
From Bryant Park in New York City to downtown Chicago, demonstrators engaged the public in discussions about civil rights, societal accountability, and compassion. As actor Mark Ruffalo noted, “We’re seeing dehumanizing language towards various communities; somebody’s got to show that most Americans are against this.”
Organizers of the “No Kings” protests estimated nearly 2,000 rallies across the country to coincide with the parade, highlighting the diverse voices opposing Trump’s leadership.
As the day unfolded, Trump had cautioned against protests during the parade, stating, “they’re going to be met with very big force.” The events raised critical questions about democracy, freedom of speech, and the role of the military in American life.
Sunsara Taylor, a founder of Refuse Fascism, conveyed the gravity of the situation, declaring, “Today we refuse to accept Donald Trump unleashing the military against the people of this country. We say, ‘Hell no.'”
As history continues to unfold, the narrative of democracy and dissent remains alive, challenging both leaders and citizens to uphold the tenets of liberty and justice.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
