White House Faces Questions on Parade Protest Threat

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed a reporter's question as 'stupid' when asked if President Trump would allow peaceful protests during the upcoming Washington, D.C. military parade, which coincides with the Army's 250th anniversary and Trump's 79th birthday. Leavitt stated Trump supports the First Amendment and peaceful protest but condemned recent violence, emphasizing opposition to assaults on law enforcement. Trump warned that any protesters at the parade would face 'very big force,' prompting concerns about the administration's protection of peaceful demonstrations. Leavitt defended the deployment of the National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles to address anti-ICE protests, blaming local Democratic leaders for inadequate response. Reporters pressed Leavitt on safeguarding peaceful protesters' rights, but she maintained recent violence had overshadowed peaceful demonstrations. Nationwide 'No Kings' protests are scheduled, with organizers urging demonstrators to avoid D.C. due to heightened security.