Trump's D.C. Military Parade Draws Protests, Debate

President Donald Trump presided over a $45 million military parade in Washington, D.C., marking both the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary and his 79th birthday. The event featured tanks, troops, military aircraft, and a 21-gun salute, fulfilling Trump’s long-standing desire after witnessing France's Bastille Day parade. Attendance was lower than typical Fourth of July crowds, and the parade was met with nationwide protests and significant anti-Trump demonstrations. Critics argued that the event resembled authoritarian displays and politicized the military, while supporters claimed it honored the Army’s legacy. Heightened security measures included extensive street closures and strict entry protocols. The parade reignited national debates over the use of military symbolism and deepened divisions regarding Trump’s leadership.