Trump staged a grand military parade on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., marking both the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and his 79th birthday. It featured around 6,000+ troops, tanks, helicopters, a 21-gun salute, parachute jumps, bands, and historical aircraft.
Despite heavy planning and an estimated $25–$45 million budget , crowds were sparse—hampered by rain, humidity, and poor signage . Social media verdict varied from “underwhelming” to “lame.” Reddit users also dismissed it as a flop.
Trump even fell asleep at some point.
Many veterans called it “gross” and unsuitable, saying the funds would better support actual military personnel. Critics condemned the politicization of the military and compared the display to authoritarian regimes.
While designed to showcase Trump’s leadership and military strength, the parade largely came across as grand in scale but lacking in enthusiasm, with empty seats, logistical flaws, and lukewarm energy diminishing its intended impact.
Meanwhile, massive crowds turned out for the ‘No Kings’ protests nationwide.
Organized by the 50501 Movement, the “No Kings Day of Defiance” unfolded in over 2,000 cities nationwide, with organizers estimating more than 5 million participants—the largest coordinated protests since Trump’s second term began.
Key highlights
Philadelphia: Over 80,000 marched through the city .
Los Angeles: About 25,000 gathered, notably at City Hall amid heavy ICE and National Guard deployments .
Colorado: Thousands across multiple cities, largely peaceful though some tense moments with police in Denver .
Monterey County, CA: Hundreds–thousands rallied, waving flags and voicing solidarity .
Protesters decried Trump’s military build-up, immigrant crackdowns, and perceived authoritarian drift—melding calls for democracy, immigrant rights, and anti-fascism.
Tens of thousands in major cities, with spirited chanting (“Whose streets? Our streets!”), symbolic protests (e.g., an eight-foot statue of Trump on a toilet), and vibrant displays across communities.
