President Trump’s Military Parade

WASHINGTON — The grand military parade that President Donald Trump had been wanting for years barreled down Constitution Avenue on Saturday with tanks, troops and a 21-gun salute, playing out against a counterpoint of protests around the country by those who decried the U.S. leader as a would-be king.

The Republican president, on his 79th birthday, sat on a special viewing stand south of the White House to watch the display of American military might, which began early and moved swiftly as light rain fell and clouds shrouded the Washington Monument.

The procession, with more than 6,000 soldiers and 128 Army tanks, was one Trump tried to make happen in his first term after seeing such an event in Paris in 2017, but the plans never came together until the parade was added to an event recognizing the Army’s 250th anniversary.

Background of the Parade

The idea of a military parade in Washington D.C. was first proposed by President Trump after he attended a similar event in Paris in 2017. However, the plans for the parade were put on hold due to various reasons, including the cost and logistics. It wasn’t until recently that the parade was added to the celebration of the Army’s 250th anniversary.

“Every other country celebrates their victories. It’s about time America did too,” Trump declared in brief remarks at the parade’s end.

Protests Against the Parade

Hours before the parade started, demonstrators turned out in streets and parks around the nation to sound off against the Republican president. They criticized Trump for using the military to respond to people protesting his deportation efforts and for the muscular military show in the U.S. capital.

In Washington, hundreds protesting Trump carried signs with messages that included “Where’s the due process?” and “No to Trump’s fascist military parade” as they marched toward the White House.

A larger-than-life puppet of Trump was wheeled through the crowd, a caricature of the president wearing a crown and sitting on a golden toilet.

President Donald Trump arrives for a military parade commemorating the Army’s 250th anniversary, coinciding with his 79th birthday, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington, as Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth watch. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson / AP)

Displays of Military Might

The daylong display of America’s Army came as Trump has shown his willingness to use the nation’s military might in ways other U.S. presidents have typically avoided. In the last week, he has activated the California National Guard over the governor’s objections and dispatched the U.S. Marines to provide security during Los Angeles protests related to immigration raids, prompting a state lawsuit to stop the deployments.

As armored vehicles rolled down the street in front of the president, on the other side of the country, the Marines who Trump deployed to Los Angeles appeared at a demonstration for the first time, standing guard outside a federal building. Dozens of Marines stood shoulder to shoulder in full combat gear beside the National Guard, Homeland Security officers and other law enforcement. Hundreds of protesters facing them jeered in English and Spanish, telling the troops to go home.

Veterans, Supporters, and Protesters

Meanwhile, on the National Mall, a display of armored vehicles, helicopters, and military-grade equipment was set up to commemorate the Army’s birthday. Vendors outside the Army festival sold gear marking the military milestone. Others hawked Trump-themed merchandise.

Larry Stallard, a retired American Airlines pilot, said he traveled to Washington from Kansas City for the weekend “to see the military and see Trump.”

Stallard, who voted for Trump, said it was “hard to believe” people were upset about the cost of the event when “they blow that in 10 seconds on things that we don’t even need.”

Parade Details

The parade was added just two months ago to the long-planned celebration of the Army’s birthday and has drawn criticism for its price tag of up to $45 million and the possibility that the lumbering tanks could tear up city streets. The Army has taken a variety of steps to protect the streets, including laying metal plates along the route.

About 6 in 10 Americans said Saturday’s parade was “not a good use” of government money. The vast majority of people, 78%, said they neither approve nor disapprove of the parade overall, according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

Conclusion

The military parade in Washington D.C. was a grand display of American military might, but it was also met with protests and criticism from those who oppose President Trump’s policies. The parade was a celebration of the Army’s 250th anniversary, but it was also seen as a way for Trump to feed his ego and showcase his power.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What was the purpose of the military parade in Washington D.C.?

A: The military parade was held to celebrate the Army’s 250th anniversary and to showcase American military might.

Q: Who attended the parade?

A: President Trump, Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and thousands of soldiers and civilians attended the parade.

Q: What were some of the criticisms of the parade?

A: Some of the criticisms of the parade included its high cost, the possibility of damage to city streets, and the use of the military as a political tool.

Q: What were some of the protests against the parade?

A: Some of the protests against the parade included demonstrations against Trump’s deportation policies, the use of the military to respond to protests, and the perceived authoritarianism of the Trump administration.