US President Donald Trump presided over a large-scale military parade in Washington, D.C.
on Saturday, commemorating both his 79th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the U.S.
Army.
The event, held along Constitution Avenue and the National Mall, included around 6,600 soldiers, a cavalcade of 150 military vehicles, and aerial demonstrations with over 50 helicopters and aircraft—-- consisting of historic reenactments and modern systems like HIMARS rocket units.Trump, arriving behind bullet‑‑ proof glass at around 6   pm offered a patriotic address admiring the “& ldquo; tradition of unrivaled courage” & rdquo; of American soldiers and swore in 250 new recruits.As tanks rumbled and troops marched, a fireworks display capped the ceremony later that evening.With a cost estimated in between $25 million and $45 million, critics knocked the parade as inefficient and evocative of authoritarian imagery—-- particularly as it mirrored similar display screens in France and Russia.Supporters argued it was a fitting homage to the armed forces, marking an uncommon public event of the Army’& rsquo; s 250th anniversary.Simultaneously, millions marched across the country under the & ldquo; No Kings & rdquo; banner—-- decrying Trump’& rsquo; s policies and warning of democratic backsliding.
Over 2,000 protests occurred nationwide, from New York to Los Angeles.While mostly peaceful, some demonstrations turned violent—-- officers released tear gas in cities like L.A.
and Portland and, unfortunately, a politically motivated shooting in Minnesota left 2 legislators dead.The event however underscored deep political divides: patriotic event for the president’& rsquo; s base vs.
fears of authoritarian symbolism voiced by his opponents.The post Trump hosts grand military parade in Washington DC amid nationwide reaction first appeared on TINS News|Afghanistan News.