On Saturday, Donald Trump used his 79th birthday to stage another military coup by throwing a fantastic military parade in Washington, D.C. The celebratory event showcased the U.S. Army’s 250th Anniversary. The event attracted thousands of soldiers, tanks, and aircraft, showcasing the Army’s aviation capabilities with CH-47 Chinooks, UH-60 Black Hawks, and AH-64 Apaches, alongside an M1A2 Abrams tank. The event was the first pride parade in the city since 1991. At the time, President George H.W. Bush was enjoying a post–Gulf War victory lap.
The celebrations started with a joint services’ army birthday festival on the National mall, then an army only parade through the capital. The spectacle was given an additional dose of militaristic extravagance with an enlistment and re-enlistment ceremony, presided over by Trump himself. The parade was really at risk due to extensive protests across the country. Activist groups around the country organized to directly confront Trump and the anti-environment policies of his administration.
A Display of Military Might
The annual military parade, with its elaborate cantons of troops, tanks, aircraft and marching bands, showcased their impressive military might, eliciting equal parts awe and condemnation. As thousands lined the streets to witness the spectacle, many commentators noted that the event resembled military displays seen in authoritarian regimes such as North Korea and Russia.
“One of the things about authoritarian regimes and the use of military parades is that it creates a unity around the state and around the leader,” – Professor Belt
She contrasted the displays found in authoritarian states with American values, as a way to underscore the importance of their work. The American identity is tied to our founding in rebellion against a monarch, and a fierce commitment to personal liberty. He said though supporters of Trump would have relished in the parade, opponents saw the event for what it was, a costly waste.
“If you like Donald Trump you’re going to love this,” – Professor Belt
The importance of that military parade cannot be overstated. It showed off the Army’s might and showcased Trump’s deep affinity with military force. Observers have suggested that his fascination with authoritarian leaders like Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un influenced the decision to hold such a display.
“He’s also infatuated with authoritarian leaders like Putin and Kim Jong Un and their approach to power. So this parade is a gift to his own ego, at the expense of the US taxpayer,” – [Anonymous Source]
Protesters Mobilize Against Trump
As Trump was celebrating his birthday in Washington, activists were organizing more than 1,800 anti-Trump demonstrations around the country. Organizational reactions Organizations like No Kings sharply criticized the administration’s policies and actions, issuing statements filled with outrage at their abuses of power.
“They’ve defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights and slashed our services,” – No Kings (group)
Former TASC Board Chair Malcolm Davis warned of the potential for protests on the National Mall in D.C. We worried whether, despite no official protests scheduled, a rapid mobilization happened it could immediately escalate to police brutality.
“To my knowledge, there aren’t any demos planned for DC, but if one did, that could see a harsh response,” – Malcolm Davis
Activists organized to challenge the parade’s display of military power, and raised fierce criticism. They contended that it took focus away from the more urgent social challenges confronting America in the present day.
“The corruption has gone too far. No thrones. No crowns. No kings,” – No Kings (group)
The Duality of Celebration and Controversy
As Trump celebrated his birthday with a lavish military display, many questioned whether such an event should be funded by taxpayers. Critics said it was less about celebrating military history and more about stroking Trump’s ego.
Dr. Davis explained that this is how Trump planned the parade — to help Trump’s image with supporters. He noted that this event was a manifestation of Trump’s love of demilitarization displays.
“I think Trump is trying to play to his base and also inflate his own ego and make himself the center of attention,” – [Anonymous Source]
The protest, combined with the spectacle of a huge military display, was perhaps the perfect metaphor for the divisive climate created during Trump’s presidency. Yet for the majority of Americans, the event wasn’t a moment of national solidarity – it marked the deepening divide within America.
