Photo: AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson
As tanks rolled down the National Avenue in Washington, Donald Trump celebrated the military - and himself. His birthday spectacle was met with harsh criticism due to its high cost and authoritarian symbolism. Meanwhile, protests continue to rage in the US
On Saturday (June 14th) in Washington a military parade was held, organized on the occasion of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the US Army, as well as the 79th birthday of the US President Donald Trump.
The event called "The Great Military Parade and Celebration of the 250th Birthday of the US Army" brought together thousands of soldiers, numerous tanks and other military vehicles, as well as dozens of aircraft. A large number of visitors followed the parade along the National Avenue.
In addition to Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, the parade was attended by US Vice President JD Vance, Second Lady Usha Vance and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegsett.
After the parade, Trump gave a speech defending his decision to hold the celebration and praising the military as "the oldest branch of the greatest fighting force mankind has ever known."
"Every other country is celebrating their victories," Trump said. "It's time for America to start celebrating too."
Preparations lasted all week - tanks and other military equipment arrived in the capital, and a protective fence was erected around the White House and the National Avenue.
Why a military parade?
The purpose of the event was to mark the 250th anniversary of the US Army. It was officially founded on June 14, 1775, a little more than a year before the Declaration of Independence was signed. It was then called the Continental Army, and its first commander was George Washington.
Trump declared this Saturday a day of national celebration, wanting to acknowledge American successes, both military and civilian. Trump particularly emphasized the American victories in the First and Second World Wars.
"I think it's time to celebrate a little bit. We've had a lot of victories. We've fought well and won two world wars ... I think it's time to celebrate our military," Trump said Wednesday.
Protests against the parade
While Trump celebrated in Washington, cities across the US held protests against the parade and the US president.
Labor unions and liberal activists have organized rallies called "No Kings" to counter what they say is Trump's overreach.
The organizers did not plan large protests in Washington, but some of the demonstrators gathered in front of the White House.
"Instead of this parade becoming the center of gravity, we will make other parts of America talk about people coming together in their communities to reject authoritarianism and corruption. That's why the 'No Kings' movement is not organizing an event in Washington," they stated on their website.
Violent reactions
Trump's decision to hold a military parade has drawn criticism for the cost and the impression it makes. While the administration and the Department of Government Efficiency are promoting austerity measures, the cost of the military's anniversary celebration is estimated at between $25 million and $45 million.
"Trump is throwing himself a $30 million birthday party to feed his ego," Sen. Tammy Duckworth, a war veteran who lost both legs on the battlefield in Iraq, wrote on social network X.
Some believe that military parades are reminiscent of authoritarian regimes.
"I've never been a fan of soldiers and tanks and rockets rolling down the streets. If you ask me, I wouldn't organize that," said Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky.
"We've always been different from the images you've seen of the Soviet Union and North Korea," he added. "We've been proud not to be like that. I'm not saying Trump wants to send that kind of message, but I worry that maybe that's the message that we're sending."
Democrats also criticized Trump's warning to those who want to protest.
"If any protesters show up, they will be met with great force," the US president told reporters in the Oval Office on Tuesday.
Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware called the statement an "authoritarian tactic."
"He wasn't talking about people who commit violence," said Sen. Chris Murphy.
"He didn't talk about those who destroy property. He just said that anyone who protests his parade will be dealt with harshly. It's a tactic of authoritarian leaders."
White House spokeswoman Carolyn Levitt told reporters Wednesday that the president "absolutely supports peaceful protests."
"It supports the First Amendment. It supports the right of Americans to have their voices heard," she added. "It does not support violence of any kind, or attacks on police officers who are just doing their job."
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