On his 79th birthday, U.S. President Donald Trump launched the long-anticipated military parade in Washington, while tens of thousands of demonstrators nationwide accused him of authoritarianism.
Trump took the stage in front of the White House, flanked by two large tanks, saluting as a 21-gun salute sounded and the national anthem was played.
The parade, which officially celebrated the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, also coincided with Trump’s birthday and included a display of tanks, a flyover, and nearly 7,000 marching troops.
However, the event unfolded against the backdrop of sharp political polarization, with “No Kings” protests erupting in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Washington, Houston, and Atlanta.
Adding to the somber atmosphere was the killing of a Democratic lawmaker and her husband in Minnesota, casting a shadow over the day’s celebrations.
Trump was quick to condemn the attacks outside Minneapolis in which former state speaker Melissa Hortman died along with her husband, while another state lawmaker and his wife were hospitalized with gunshot wounds.
The “No Kings” demonstrators were protesting what they call Trump’s dictatorial overreach, and in particular what they call the strongman symbolism of the biggest parade in Washington for decades.
“I think it’s disgusting,” protester Sarah Hargrave, 42, told AFP at a protest in the Washington suburb of Bethesda, describing Trump’s parade as a “display of authoritarianism.”
Republican Trump, who has begun his second term by pushing presidential powers to unprecedented levels, boasted earlier on his Truth Social network that it was a “big day for America!!!”
He added that Russian strongman Vladimir Putin, for whom he has repeatedly expressed admiration, had “very nicely” called him to wish him a happy birthday.
The two leaders also agreed on the need for an end to the Iran-Israel conflict — a war in which US forces are aiding Israel to shoot down Tehran’s missiles.
The “No Kings” protest organizers expected millions of people to take part in 1,500 cities in the rest of the country.
Some protesters targeted Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida — while a small group even gathered in Paris.
Thousands turned out in Los Angeles to protest Trump’s deployment of troops in the country’s second-largest city following clashes sparked by immigration raids.
The White House dismissed the rallies.
“The so-called No Kings protests have been a complete and utter failure with minuscule attendance,” White House Communications Director Steven Cheung said in a post on X, despite photos of large crowds in a number of cities.
Trump had promised to use “very big force” if protesters attempt to disrupt the army parade in Washington.
But disruption could also come from thunderstorms forecast to hit Washington as the parade continues.
Trump put on a brave face, saying on Truth Social: “Our great military parade is on, rain or shine. Remember, a rainy day parade brings good luck. I’ll see you all in DC.”
Source: Dunya News