Nationwide Protests, Trump Parade Mark Deep Divisions

On June 14, 2025, President Donald Trump presided over a grand military parade in Washington, D.C., celebrating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and his 79th birthday, featuring thousands of troops, heavy equipment, and an estimated cost of up to $45 million. Simultaneously, nationwide 'No Kings' protests organized by the 50501 Movement drew millions across more than 1,500 cities, opposing Trump’s perceived authoritarianism and aggressive immigration enforcement, particularly following recent ICE raids in California. The protests were largely peaceful, though a strong police and National Guard presence was observed, especially after politically motivated shootings of state lawmakers in Minnesota led to canceled events and a manhunt. Demonstrators, including families and grassroots groups, criticized the expansion of executive power and the use of military force against civilians, while Army officials defended the parade as a recruitment tool. Public opinion was sharply divided, with a majority viewing the parade as an inappropriate use of government funds. The day underscored deep national divisions, highlighting both a military spectacle in the capital and widespread civic dissent.