Protests took place near Washington, D.C., on Saturday as part of the "No Kings" movement, coinciding with celebrations for the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary. While the Army hosted a grand parade, demonstrators expressed their dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump, marking his 79th birthday.
The protests were organized as a response to the military celebration. White House communications director Steven Cheung dismissed the protests, calling them a "complete and utter failure" due to low turnout. Despite this, the protests remained peaceful as the Army parade unfolded.
Thousands had planned to participate in the protests, which came after a week of intense anti-ICE demonstrations in Los Angeles and other cities. Organizers chose this specific date to highlight their views against Trump’s presidency, which they believe undermines democratic values.
The Army’s anniversary parade featured soldiers in historical uniforms and drew a crowd of supporters. Republican lawmakers praised the event, viewing it as a chance to showcase military strength and unity. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene expressed her gratitude to service members on social media, emphasizing the importance of honoring their dedication.
On the other hand, some Democrats criticized the celebration, questioning its costs and alleging it was a ploy to celebrate Trump’s birthday rather than honoring the military. California Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted that the day should focus on service members, not the president, and shared a photo from the event with a sarcastic caption about the size of Trump’s birthday celebration.
Despite the political tensions, the Army reiterated its commitment to serving the nation, stating that the parade was a reminder of their dedication and readiness to defend the country. As the day unfolded, it became clear that the contrasting events reflected the deep divisions in American society, with both supporters and opponents of the president making their voices heard.