On June 14, 2025, President Donald Trump presided over a grand military parade in Washington, D.C., marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. The event, which coincided with Trump’s 79th birthday and Flag Day, featured approximately 6,600 troops, 150 military vehicles—including M1A1 Abrams tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles—and over 50 aircraft, including Black Hawk and Apache helicopters. The parade route spanned Constitution Avenue, concluding with a fireworks display over the Tidal Basin .
Despite the scale and spectacle, attendance along the parade route was notably sparse. Adverse weather conditions, including high temperatures and the threat of storms, likely contributed to the lower-than-expected turnout. Photos and videos from the event depicted scattered crowds along the National Mall .
The parade’s estimated cost, ranging between $25 million and $45 million, drew criticism from various quarters. Senator Tammy Duckworth, a veteran who lost both legs in Iraq, condemned the expenditure, stating, “Trump is throwing himself a $30 million birthday parade just to stroke his own ego” . Critics also expressed concern over the use of military assets for what they perceived as a politically motivated event.
Simultaneously, the nation witnessed widespread “No Kings” protests, organized in response to the parade and broader concerns about the Trump administration’s policies. The protests, held in over 2,000 cities across all 50 states, were coordinated by a coalition of more than 100 pro-democracy advocacy groups, including Indivisible. Ezra Levin, co-executive director of Indivisible, described the protests as “the largest single-day, peaceful protest in recent American history,” emphasizing their aim to reject authoritarianism and uphold democratic values .
Organizers intentionally avoided staging major demonstrations in Washington, D.C., to prevent potential confrontations and to focus attention on local communities. Instead, significant gatherings occurred in cities like Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Boston. In Los Angeles, protests escalated into clashes with law enforcement, resulting in the use of tear gas and rubber bullets. A curfew was imposed in downtown areas to restore order .
The “No Kings” movement emerged as a response to perceived overreach by the Trump administration, particularly concerning immigration enforcement, civil rights, and the militarization of public spaces. The movement’s name underscores its opposition to authoritarianism and the concentration of power. Protesters carried signs with slogans like “We don’t do kings in America,” highlighting their commitment to democratic principles .
President Trump addressed the protests, asserting, “I don’t feel like a king. I have to go through hell to get stuff approved,” referencing the challenges of governance and legislative processes. He maintained that the parade was a celebration of the Army’s history and achievements, not a personal vanity project .
The juxtaposition of the military parade and the nationwide protests underscores the deep political divisions within the United States. While the parade aimed to honor the Army’s legacy, the concurrent demonstrations highlighted widespread concerns about the direction of the country’s leadership. As the nation reflects on these events, questions about the balance between patriotism and political expression remain at the forefront of public discourse.
