Sun Jun 15 00:36:21 UTC 2025: **NEWS ARTICLE:**

**Trump’s Military Parade Draws Cheers and Jeers in Washington**

**WASHINGTON, D.C. -** President Donald Trump celebrated his 79th birthday and the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary on Saturday with a grand military parade down Constitution Avenue. The event, featuring tanks, troops, and a flyover, was met with both enthusiastic support and widespread protests.

Thousands of soldiers and military vehicles participated in the parade, a spectacle Mr. Trump had long desired since witnessing a similar event in Paris in 2017. The parade was punctuated by a 21-gun salute and a performance by the Army’s Golden Knights parachute team.

However, the display of military might was overshadowed by protests held across the nation. Demonstrators criticized the president for militarizing the response to protests and what they perceived as an over-the-top display of force. In Washington, protesters rallied near the parade route, holding signs with messages like “Homes not drones” and “TRUMP MUST GO NOW.”

The parade’s cost, estimated at up to $45 million, has also drawn criticism, with a majority of Americans questioning the use of government funds. Concerns were also raised about potential damage to city streets from the heavy military vehicles, despite the Army’s efforts to protect the roads.

The event comes amidst heightened concerns over President Trump’s increasing use of military force, including the recent deployment of the National Guard and Marines in response to protests in California, actions that have sparked legal challenges. Earlier in the week, a speech at Fort Bragg raised eyebrows after troops appeared to react to Trump’s remarks, leading to concerns about the politicization of the military.

While supporters like retired pilot Larry Stallard traveled to Washington specifically to witness the parade and show support for the president, critics argue that the event represents an unnecessary and potentially dangerous escalation of militarism.

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