Washington (AP) – Grand Military Parade President Donald Trump had envisioned a grand display of military might, featuring tanks, soldiers, and a 21-gun salute on Saturday. However, this spectacle was met with counter-protests nationwide, with detractors labeling the American leader as a dictator.
On his 79th birthday, the Republican president observed the military exhibition from a special viewing platform south of the White House, amid light rain that quickly turned to overcast skies. The parade, showcasing over 6,000 soldiers and 128 tanks, was inspired by a similar event he witnessed in Paris in 2017. Yet, no substantial plans had materialized until the celebration was incorporated into the Army’s 250th anniversary festivities.
“Other nations celebrate their victories, and so should America,” Trump stated in a brief closing address.
The president commended the valor of the military, asserting that the U.S. forces “fight, fight, fight, win, win victory.”
During the early evening festivities, the Army Golden Knights parachute team made a dramatic entrance from the cloudy sky, although they had initially been scheduled to jump at the parade’s conclusion.
At times, Trump stood to salute during the proceedings. However, attendance seemed to fall short of early estimates predicting up to 200,000 attendees, exacerbated by the sultry weather and potential thunderstorms that led to evident gaps among spectators near the Washington memorial.
In the hours leading up to the parade, demonstrators emerged in streets and parks across the country, protesting against the Republican president. They criticized Trump for using military force to respond to his deportation efforts and for the aggressive military display in the nation’s capital.
Military Power Exhibition
This military showcase coincided with Trump’s assertiveness in wielding U.S. military power—a departure from the usual hesitancy exhibited by past presidents. Just last week, he mobilized the California National Guard against the governor’s wishes and deployed U.S. Marines to secure protests in Los Angeles related to immigration policy, challenging state lawsuits that sought to halt their deployment.
As armored vehicles rolled past the president, the Marines he stationed in Los Angeles were visible at the demonstrations, acting as security outside a federal building. Dozens of Marines, fully equipped, stood alongside National Guard troops, Homeland Security officers, and other law enforcement personnel, while hundreds of protesters jeered in both English and Spanish, urging the troops to return home.
What had begun as largely peaceful protests in downtown Los Angeles escalated dramatically, with police utilizing horses and tear gas to disperse the crowds gathered outside a federal building.
In Washington, hundreds of protesters carried signs with messages like “Where is the due process?” and chanted against the “Trump fascist parade” as they marched toward the White House.
Among the crowd were larger-than-life puppets depicting Trump as he sat on a golden toilet donning a crown.
Other demonstrators waved pride flags and carried signs with pointed messages, including “Crush ICE,” referencing immigration enforcement, and “The invasion was on January 6th, not in LA,” along with “If you’re a fascist, turn me in.”
The “No Kings” rally took place in hundreds of cities, intended to counter what organizers characterized as Trump’s self-aggrandizing display on his 79th birthday and Flag Day. They named the event to advocate for democracy and oppose what they described as the Trump administration’s authoritarian tendencies.
Veterans, Supporters, Protesters
Meanwhile, the National Mall was adorned with displays of armored vehicles, helicopters, and military-grade equipment to mark the Army’s birthday. Vendors at the Army Festival offered memorabilia celebrating military milestones, while others peddled themed merchandise.
Retired American Airlines pilot Larry Stallard traveled from Kansas City to Washington for the occasion, stating he came “to see the military and watch Trump.”
Stallard deemed it “unbelievable” that people were upset about the event’s expense when “it could be blown away in 10 seconds by something we don’t need.”
Doug Haynes, a Navy veteran who supported Trump, attended to celebrate the Army’s 250th birthday, albeit remarking that the parade felt “a little over the top.”
Pointing to the nearby tanks, Haynes suggested that rolling them down the street made “a very bold statement to the world.”
The parade had attracted criticism for its estimated $45 million price tag and the potential damage the heavy equipment could inflict on city streets. The Army took various precautions to safeguard the roads, such as laying down metal plates along the parade route.
About 60% of Americans indicated that Saturday’s parade was “not worth” taxpayer expenses. A large majority, 78%, expressed no strong opinions regarding the parade in a poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
Kathy Strauss traveled from Richmond, Virginia, with signs criticizing the cost, emphasizing that funds could be better spent on veteran care.
“I thought being here would be more impactful than joining protests with people I consider misguided,” Strauss said.
The parade proceeded amidst heightened security, with fencing and barriers lining the route. The military flyover included World War II aircraft, such as the B-25 Mitchell bomber, complemented by Army helicopters flying low over the crowds near the Washington Memorial. Cavalry soldiers from the 1st Cavalry Division also made an appearance, recalling the historical role of horses in warfare, though now serving mostly in ceremonial functions like the parade.
Trump led a pledge with 250 new recruits, inviting them to reaffirm their commitment as they repeated the vows after him.
“Welcome to the U.S. Army! And enjoy your service,” Trump told them afterward.
Country music singer Warren Zeder performed, echoing the sentiments of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.” The day culminated in a vibrant fireworks display.
Plans for U.S. Air Force fighter jets to fly over were ultimately scrapped due to weather conditions.
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Associated Press writers Eric Tucker, Michelle L. Price, Nathan Elgren, Lee Skane, Olivia Diaz, Joey Capelletti, Ashraf Khalil, Tara Kopp from Washington, and Jake Oppenhartz from Los Angeles contributed to this report.
Source: apnews.com