On June 14, 2025, President Donald Trump celebrated his 79th birthday by hosting a grand military parade in Washington, D.C., marking the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary. The event featured over 6,600 soldiers, 128 tanks, military aircraft flyovers, and a 21-gun salute. Despite inclement weather, Trump observed the spectacle from a viewing stand near the White House. This display mirrored his admiration for France’s Bastille Day celebration in 2017 and was incorporated into the Army's milestone event. However, the $45 million cost of the parade drew criticism, with many Americans viewing it as an unnecessary show of force and an inappropriate use of public funds. Critics also accused Trump of politicizing the military, especially in light of recent troop deployments without state consent and provocative remarks at Fort Bragg. apnews.com
Simultaneously, nationwide protests erupted under the "No Kings" banner, denouncing what participants perceived as authoritarian behavior by the Trump administration. Organized by the 50501 movement, these demonstrations took place in over 2,000 cities across the United States, including major urban centers like Los Angeles, New York, and Atlanta. Protesters voiced opposition to policies such as mass deportations, federal troop deployments, and cuts to agencies like USAID. In California, tensions escalated with confrontations and arrests, particularly in Los Angeles, where demonstrators opposed ICE raids and federal troop deployments. The protests underscored a deeply polarized nation, with millions expressing their dissent against the administration's actions. ft.com