The gray sky of Washington D.C. did not stop Donald Trump from presiding over an impressive military parade in the heart of the U.S. capital this Saturday.
"Our great military parade is still on, rain or shine. Remember, a rainy parade brings good luck," the U.S. president warned in the early hours, when the day promised rain.
The event, officially organized to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States Army, coincided with the president's 79th birthday, a coincidence that fueled the controversy surrounding what many view as a political instrumentalization of military power.
The White House was adorned for the occasion.
From Avenida de la Constitución, in front of the White House, over 7,000 soldiers, 150 military vehicles, and 60 aircraft and helicopters paraded in an unusual scene in the United States.
"COMMANDER IN CHIEF", was highlighted in uppercase by the official White House account on X while sharing images of Trump during the parade.
A parade of such characteristics had not been seen in the capital of the United States since 1991, when former President George H. W. Bush declared victory in the first Gulf War.
The event began with a salute of 21 cannon shots and the descent of the Golden Knights paratroopers, hailed by chants of “USA! USA!”
Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania, swore in 250 new recruits and delivered an impassioned patriotic speech.
During his speech, he reviewed key moments in the military history of the country, from the Battle of Bunker Hill to modern campaigns in Iraq.
"The enemies of the United States have learned that if they threaten the American people, our soldiers will come for you. Your defeat will be certain... Because our soldiers never give up, never back down, and never surrender. They fight, fight, fight, and win, win, win.", he said.
Trump described the U.S. military as “the greatest, most formidable, and bravest force that has ever walked the face of the Earth.”
The parade concluded with an impressive fireworks display.
In his network, Truth Social, Donal Trump thanked the military for what he called a "great parade."
Criticism for the authoritarian tone and the use of public resources
Although the administration insisted on the institutional nature of the event, the criticism has been plentiful.
For many, the celebration was a propaganda maneuver to reinforce Trump's image as a strong leader, and numerous comparisons have been made between the parade and those typically held in China, North Korea, or Russia, with the distinction that criticisms poured in for the lack of synchronization among the more than 6,600 military personnel.
The estimated cost—up to 45 million dollars—has also been sharply criticized as an unnecessary waste.
Images went viral on social media showing the sparse attendance.
, like the president who appeared to be asleep during the parade, a bit of irony that did not go unnoticed since Trump often mocked his predecessor Joe Biden by calling him "Sleepy Joe."
The absence of crowds compared to prior expectations only fueled the perception that the event, rather than being a demonstration of national unity, was a personalized display of power.
A nation mobilized against authoritarianism
While the military machinery was marching in Washington, the country resonated in another direction.
Thousands of citizens mobilized in over 2,000 protests under the slogan “No Kings”, a rallying cry that denounces what many describe as an authoritarian trend of the president.
The protests spread across all 50 states of the country, from New York to Los Angeles, including Chicago, San Francisco, and Austin.
In the capital itself, hundreds of protesters approached the perimeter of the parade, chanting slogans and carrying signs that read "Pro USA, anti Trump."
One of them, Sam Richards, a 34-year-old veteran, was blunt: “All of this seems like a cruel joke, using people who pledged loyalty to the Constitution as pawns for a man who wants to be king.”
Some activists brought satirical figures of Trump, including a wooden sculpture where he was depicted with an elongated nose sitting on a toilet.
Armored United States: Repression and Fear
The mobilizations were not limited to symbolism. In Los Angeles, the police dispersed protesters with tear gas and rubber bullets after declaring the gathering illegal. Several were injured. In Texas and Minnesota, authorities issued warnings to lawmakers and activists to stay off the streets for safety reasons.
One of the reasons was the political violence that also shook the day, during which Democratic Congresswoman Melissa Hortman and her husband were murdered in Minnesota by Vance Boelter, a man who disguised himself as a police officer to carry out the crime, which is considered an act of political motivation.
A state senator and his wife were also injured. The FBI has offered $50,000 for information leading to his capture.
A day that portrays a fractured country
The military parade on June 14, intended to commemorate the legacy of the American Army and coinciding with the president's birthday, has left a profound testimony: the reflection of a nation divided between the desire to celebrate its history and the need to safeguard its democracy.
While Trump asserted: “America remains strong, proud, and free”, thousands of citizens contradicted him in the streets.
Beneath the fireworks and the martial display, there also pulsed discontent, indignation, and a struggle for the democratic soul of the country.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Military Parade and Protests in the U.S.
What was the purpose of the military parade in Washington D.C.?
The military parade was organized to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States Army and coincided with the 79th birthday of President Donald Trump. Although it was officially an institutional event, many critics pointed out that it was a propaganda maneuver to reinforce Trump's image as a strong leader.
What criticisms has Trump's military parade received?
The parade has been criticized for being seen as a political instrumentalization of military power and for its high cost, estimated at up to 45 million dollars. Furthermore, some have compared it to the parades held in autocratic nations such as China, North Korea, or Russia.
Why were there protests during the military parade?
The protests, organized under the slogan "No Kings", condemned what is seen as an authoritarian trend by President Trump. Demonstrators across the country, including Washington D.C., mobilized to demand the defense of democracy and reject any attempts at consolidating authoritarian power.
What security measures were taken during the protests?
The authorities deployed a strong security operation in Washington D.C. and other cities. Large backpacks, drones, balloons, and weapons were banned, and attendees had to go through metal detector checks. The police used tear gas and rubber bullets in places like Los Angeles to disperse protesters.
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