Trump Parade Criticized, Protests Draw Millions

President Donald Trump's 79th birthday military parade in Washington, DC, commemorating the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary, was widely criticized due to sparse crowds, poor planning, and confusing logistics, despite a $45 million budget. The White House claimed attendance as high as 250,000, but independent reports and images showed minimal engagement and empty bleachers. In contrast, 'No Kings' protests against Trump drew an estimated 3 to 6 million participants nationwide, highlighting strong public opposition to perceived authoritarianism. Notably, Ivanka Trump was absent from the event, fueling speculation of a family rift, while Melania Trump attended and was seen sharing affectionate moments with the president. The parade also faced ridicule for fashion choices among guests and drew comments from singer Ryan Tedder, who criticized protestors for overshadowing military service. Despite these issues, Trump publicly described the event as a 'tremendous success,' though media coverage focused on the gap between official claims and public perception.