Following 'No Kings' Demonstrations, Trump Marks Birthday with Massive Military Parade

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On Sunday, President Donald Trump’s much-anticipated military parade proceeded through downtown Washington DC, intended to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the US Army. However, the celebration was overshadowed by a wave of unrest and division.

Thousands of Americans took to the streets in cities from New York to Chicago and Los Angeles, protesting against Trump’s presidency in the largest demonstrations since his return to power in January, all occurring before the parade’s kickoff.

US Army personnel and military equipment reviewed by President Donald J. Trump during a parade celebrating the 250th anniversary of the US Army

While military parades are often associated with capitals like Moscow and Pyongyang, Trump has advocated for one since his initial term. Source: SIPA USA / Kenny Holston

The parade, which falls on Trump’s 79th birthday, kicked off earlier than expected with thunderstorms forecast in the Washington area.

“Every other country celebrates their victories, it’s about time America did too,” Trump told the crowd following the parade.

The celebrations were expected to cost the US Army between $38 million and $69 million. That includes the parade itself as well as the cost of moving equipment and housing and feeding the troops.

Opponents have criticized the parade as a show of authoritarian power and unnecessary expenditure, particularly as Trump champions cost-cutting measures in the federal government.

Nationwide ‘No Kings’ protests

Earlier, a significant number of individuals rallied in Washington and other cities to oppose Trump’s policies. The protests were predominantly peaceful and represented the largest expression of opposition to Trump’s administration since his January return.

Thousands of New Yorkers march in opposition of Donald Trump's presidency on the day of the military parade celebrating the 250th anniversary of the US Army

Thousands of New Yorkers marched in opposition of Donald Trump’s presidency on the day of the Washington military parade honouring the US Army’s 250th anniversary as well as the president’s 79th birthday. Source: Getty / Alex Kent

In Los Angeles, however, police, some on horseback, used flash-bang grenades and tear gas to push back a crowd of protesters around the federal building that has been a focus of much of the demonstrations.

Earlier, the crowd had yelled at the Marines guarding the facility, “Shame! Shame!” and “Marines, get out of LA!”

Anti-Trump groups planned nearly 2,000 demonstrations across the country to coincide with the parade. Many took place under the theme “No Kings,” asserting that no individual is above the law.

Members of the far-right Proud Boys, ardent Trump supporters, appeared at an Atlanta “No Kings” protest, wearing the group’s distinctive black and yellow colors.

Sunsara Taylor, a founder of RefuseFascism, told the crowd, “Today we refuse to accept Donald Trump unleashing the military against the people of this country and in the streets of this country. We say, ‘hell no.’”