President Trump’s 79th birthday was marked by a grand military parade in Washington D.C. and widespread protests across the nation, highlighting America’s deep political divisions.
At a Glance
- Trump celebrated his birthday with a military parade featuring 6,000 soldiers and 128 tanks, coinciding with the US Army’s 250th anniversary
- The “No Kings” protest movement organized demonstrations in major cities nationwide against Trump’s immigration policies and use of presidential power
- Despite criticism of the parade’s cost (estimated between $25-$45 million), polls show 54% of Americans support Trump’s immigration enforcement
- Trump had warned of “heavy force” against protesters during the parade
- The military parade was the first of its kind since 1991 under President George H.W. Bush after the Gulf War
Military Might on Display
President Donald Trump realized his long-held vision of a grand military parade on Constitution Avenue, featuring over 6,000 soldiers, 128 Army tanks, and a 21-gun salute. The spectacle marked both Trump’s 79th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the United States Army. Trump had expressed interest in such a display since witnessing a similar parade in Paris during a 2017 visit to France, but plans only materialized recently. While attendance appeared lower than anticipated with noticeable gaps in the crowd, possibly due to weather conditions, the event delivered an impressive show of American military strength.
During the ceremony, Trump praised the military’s fighting spirit, declaring they “fight, fight, fight and they win, win, win.” The parade concluded with the President swearing in 250 new recruits and returning soldiers, telling them, “Welcome to the United States Army! And have a great life.” Some veterans in attendance appreciated the recognition of military service, while others questioned the timing amid domestic deployments.
"No Kings" protests against President Donald Trump’s policies are scheduled in nearly 2,000 cities across the U.S. Saturday as a military parade rolls in Washington for the Army’s 250th anniversary – which is also Flag Day and Trump’s birthday. https://t.co/NRE6LS1voH
— FOX 5 DC (@fox5dc) June 14, 2025
Nationwide Protests Challenge Presidential Power
As tanks rolled through Washington, the “No Kings” protest movement mobilized demonstrations in cities across America including Atlanta, West Palm Beach, Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Juan, and Austin. Organizers claimed hundreds of protests with millions of participants nationwide. The demonstrations specifically targeted what protesters described as Trump’s overreach of presidential authority and controversial immigration policies, particularly the separation of families during deportation operations.
“I just feel like we need to defend our democracy,” said Karen Van Trieste, a protester quoted by the BBC.
In Los Angeles, tensions escalated as protesters confronted National Guard soldiers and Marines deployed to manage the demonstrations. The situation underscored Trump’s unprecedented use of military forces for domestic issues, a practice previous presidents have typically avoided. Some protests in Minnesota were canceled after a suspect in a fatal shooting was linked to the event, though many still attended gatherings in that state.
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of downtown Los Angeles Saturday to protest President Donald Trump's administration and to counterprogram the military parade in Washington, D.C., marking the U.S. Army's 250th birthday.https://t.co/qhXS0V25Rk pic.twitter.com/cPyZoVH8mv
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) June 14, 2025
Parade Costs and Public Opinion
The military parade drew substantial criticism for its cost, estimated between $25 million and $45 million. Critics argued these funds could be better allocated to veterans’ services and other pressing needs. A poll indicated that six in ten Americans viewed the parade as a poor use of government resources. The last similar military parade in the United States occurred in 1991 under President George H.W. Bush, celebrating victory in the Gulf War.
“Every other country celebrates their victories. It’s about time America did too,” Trump stated in defense of the parade.
Despite the vocal protests, polling data suggests Trump’s immigration policies retain substantial public support. A recent survey showed 54% approval for deporting illegal immigrants, indicating the issue remains divisive but with significant backing for the administration’s approach. The contrasting events of Trump’s birthday—military celebration and widespread protests—reflect the stark divisions in American political sentiment as the nation moves forward.
