The grand military parade that United States President Donald Trump had envisioned for years took place along Washington, DC’s Constitution Avenue. This extraordinary event featured tanks, troops, and a ceremonial 21-gun salute, set against a backdrop of protests nationwide. Protesters labeled the Republican leader as a “dictator” and a “would-be king,” highlighting the deep political divisions in the country.
Coinciding with his 79th birthday, President Trump observed the display of US military strength from a special viewing stand located south of the White House. The parade commenced early on a Saturday morning, despite the light rain and overcast skies that shrouded the Washington Monument. This show of force included over 6,000 soldiers and 128 tanks, and was part of an event commemorating the US Army’s 250th anniversary. This long-desired parade was first proposed during Trump’s initial term after he witnessed a similar celebration in Paris in 2017, but it only materialized after being incorporated into this significant anniversary event.
As the armored vehicles rolled past President Trump, millions of Americans participated in the so-called “No Kings” protests, which took place in streets, parks, and plazas across the nation. These demonstrations featured anti-authoritarian chants and calls to protect democracy and immigrant rights. Authorities across the US emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and assured that there would be zero tolerance for violence. In anticipation of the protests, several governors activated the National Guard.
In Los Angeles, where protests erupted over recent federal immigration enforcement raids, police resorted to using tear gas and crowd-control munitions to disperse protesters following the conclusion of the parade. Similarly, officers in Portland fired tear gas and projectiles to break up a crowd demonstrating outside a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility, continuing into the evening.
Across the country, large and vibrant crowds gathered to express their sentiments against authoritarianism. In cities like New York, Denver, Chicago, Austin, and Los Angeles, thousands marched, danced, and chanted under “No Kings” banners. Atlanta's event, with a capacity of 5,000, reached its limit quickly, with many more outside barriers eager to hear speakers at the state Capitol. In Seattle, attendance estimates for the city’s largest rally in the downtown area exceeded 70,000 people, according to the Seattle Times.
These demonstrations followed recent protests against federal ICE raids that began the previous week. Trump’s directive to deploy the US National Guard and Marines in Los Angeles came amid escalating tensions, where protesters had blocked a motorway and set vehicles ablaze. “Today, across red states and blue, rural towns and major cities, Americans stood in peaceful unity and made it clear: we don’t do kings,” stated the No Kings Coalition in a formal announcement on Saturday.
