Trump's Birthday Parade Sparks Nationwide Protests

Washington D.C. hosted a massive military parade on June 14, 2025, marking the 79th birthday of former President Donald Trump and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. The event, costing an estimated $45 million, featured approximately 6,600 soldiers, along with M1A2 Abrams tanks, Black Hawk and Apache helicopters, and a flyover by the Golden Knights Parachute Team. However, the spectacle sparked significant controversy. Over 200 civil rights groups organized nationwide protests, criticizing the parade as "a politicized display of power and authoritarianism." One protest organizer stated, "This parade is not a celebration of our military; it's a blatant attempt to glorify a divisive figure and undermine democratic values." The event highlights the ongoing political polarization in the United States and raises questions about the appropriate use of public funds for such displays.