Trump & Military Parade: Rainfall, Protests & Response
- was the stage for a grand military parade Saturday, fulfilling a long-held desire of President Donald Trump.
- The parade unfolded against a backdrop of nationwide protests.
- Trump, seated on a special viewing stand near the White House, watched as the procession made its way down Constitution Avenue.
Donald TrumpS long-awaited military parade finally took place in Washington, D.C., on his 79th birthday and the Army’s 250th anniversary, sparking both party and fierce protest. Explore the event’s scope: tanks,troops,and a 21-gun salute along Constitution Avenue. Nationwide,demonstrators voiced concerns regarding the demonstration of military might,criticizing what they viewed as authoritarian displays. The parade’s high cost and the potential for street damage further fueled debate. News Directory 3 delves into the controversy surrounding Trump’s use of the military, including the deployment of the National Guard and Marines.Discover how the public received this display of power and the potential lasting effects. Learn more.
Military parade rolls through D.C. amid protests
Updated June 14,2025
Washington,D.C. was the stage for a grand military parade Saturday, fulfilling a long-held desire of President Donald Trump. The event, which coincided with Trump’s 79th birthday and the Army’s 250th anniversary, featured tanks, troops, and a 21-gun salute.
The parade unfolded against a backdrop of nationwide protests. Demonstrators decried what they viewed as authoritarian actions by the president.
Trump, seated on a special viewing stand near the White House, watched as the procession made its way down Constitution Avenue. The parade was an idea Trump first floated after witnessing a similar event in Paris in 2017.
Protesters gathered in cities across the country, criticizing Trump’s use of the military in response to deportation protests and for staging a display of military might in the capital.
In Washington, anti-war demonstrators held signs near a display of military equipment on the National Mall. Vendors sold both military-themed and Trump-themed merchandise.
Doug Haynes, a Navy veteran and Trump voter, attended the Army’s birthday celebration but found the parade “a little over the top.” He noted the tanks rolling down the street made “a very bold statement to the world.”
Trump addressed potential disruptions via social media, stating the parade would proceed “rain or shine” and that protests “will be met with very big force.” protesters marched toward the White House, carrying signs and a large banner reading “TRUMP MUST GO NOW.”
The parade’s cost, estimated at up to $45 million, and the potential for damage to city streets drew criticism. The Army implemented measures to protect the streets, including laying metal plates along the parade route.
According to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, about 60% of Americans felt the parade was ”not a good use” of government money, while 78% neither approved nor disapproved of the event overall.
The parade occurred as Trump has shown a willingness to deploy the military in ways that differ from his predecessors. Recently, he activated the California National Guard without the governor’s consent and sent Marines to provide security during Los Angeles immigration protests, prompting a state lawsuit.
Trump previously sought to project military strength, stating in 2020 that he wanted forces to “dominate” the streets during racial justice protests.
Earlier in the week, Trump’s speech at Fort Bragg, where members of the 82nd Airborne Division reportedly booed and cheered during his remarks, sparked controversy. Concerns were raised about political displays during the speech, given the Defense Department’s policy against troops participating in political activity while in uniform.
The parade included approximately 6,600 soldiers,50 helicopters,and 60-ton M1 Abrams battle tanks. Estimates suggested as many as 200,000 attendees and heightened security measures.
Army helicopters and aircraft flew overhead, and the event concluded with a parachute jump, a concert featuring Lee Greenwood, and fireworks.
“No Kings” rallies,organized to protest Trump’s actions,took place in hundreds of cities. In Washington,protesters assembled in Logan Circle,carrying signs and chanting “Trump must go now.”
A large puppet of Trump, wearing a crown and sitting on a golden toilet, was wheeled through the crowd. Other protesters waved pride flags and held signs with messages critical of the administration.
The parade was scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. EDT, with various units starting from different locations to accommodate the heavier tanks and equipment.
The march was divided into historical sections, featuring equipment and troops in period dress. It included 6,169 soldiers, 128 Army tanks and armored vehicles, and 62 aircraft.
Following the parade, Trump swore in 250 new or reenlisting troops, and the Army’s Golden Knights parachute team performed a jump onto the Mall.
What’s next
The long-term impact of the parade and the protests remains to be seen, but the events highlight the deep divisions within the country and the ongoing debate over the role of the military in American society.