Trump's Controversial Military Parade Divides the Nation: Jets, Tanks, and Heated Protests in Washington D.C.

It was a display of power not seen in Washington D.C. for a long time.

Heavy tanks like the M1 Abrams were transported on flatbed trucks through the streets before being showcased on the National Mall. In the sky, the "Blue Angels" and other squadrons performed impressive aerial maneuvers. President Trump delivered a speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial, praising the strength of the U.S. military. The event was called "Salute to America" and was intended to be a sign of patriotic unity.

Why the Parade Caused Red Faces

But behind the shiny facade, there was quite a stir. Critics mainly complained about the enormous costs of the event, estimated at several million dollars. More serious, however, was the accusation that Trump was using the military for political staging and self-promotion. Normally, the U.S. military presents itself more modestly on Independence Day. The idea of rolling heavy military vehicles through the capital was met with rejection by many – also out of concern for damage to the streets.

The Wave of Protest: "No King!"

While Trump was being celebrated, loud resistance was forming. Demonstrators gathered all over the city to protest against the parade and the president. Under the motto "No King," they vented their anger. They criticized the show perceived as authoritarian and the departure from traditional celebrations. The mass protests clearly showed that the USA was deeply divided in its opinion on this spectacle.

A Divided Country

Opinions on the "Salute to America" could not have been more divided. For supporters, it was an important patriotic event and a deserved tribute to the armed forces. Opponents called the military parade a "national embarrassment," an unnecessary waste of money, and an attempt to turn the celebrations into a political campaign event. The images of tanks in Washington and simultaneous protests went around the world, showing the deep divides in American society under President Trump.

In the end, Trump's military parade was more than just a show of military strength. It became a symbol of the political tensions and disagreements that shaped the country. A spectacle that remained memorable—not just because of the jets and tanks, but also because of the heated debate and loud protests.

Questions and Answers About the Protests Against Donald Trump

What was the occasion for the protests on June 14, 2025?
The protests took place on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the US Army and President Donald Trump's birthday. Under the motto "No Kings," millions demonstrated against Trump's authoritarian leadership style and his political agenda.

How many people participated in the protests?
Estimates suggest that several million people participated in the demonstrations. Rallies were held in over 2,000 cities across the USA—it was the largest protest since Trump's re-election.

What was the purpose of the military parade in Washington?
President Trump organized a military parade with over 6,600 soldiers and numerous vehicles. Officially, it was held to celebrate the anniversary of the US Army, but critics saw it as a show of power and political misuse of the military.

What is known about the attacks on politicians?
In Minnesota, Democratic politician Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot in their home. The background is still unclear, and investigations are ongoing. The attack further overshadowed the protests.

How did the authorities respond to the protests?
In California, President Trump deployed the National Guard and Marines against the governor's wishes to suppress the protests. This led to partly violent confrontations and intensified criticism of his authoritarian approach.

What Does the Slogan "No Kings" Mean?

The slogan "No Kings" refers to a central theme in American history: the rejection of monarchical rule and the defense of democratic principles. It was coined in the 18th century during the independence movement and is used today symbolically against authoritarian tendencies. The protests on June 14, 2025, directly connected to this tradition—with the aim of warning against the erosion of democratic institutions.

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.