On the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, President Donald Trump presided over a grand military parade in Washington, D.C., coinciding with his 79th birthday. While the White House claimed that 250,000 people attended the Trump military parade, independent observers and media reports suggest the actual turnout was significantly lower. Empty bleachers and sparse crowds were visible throughout the event, with many describing the atmosphere as subdued and reminiscent of a small-town celebration rather than a major national spectacle.
Despite the administration’s efforts to project an image of overwhelming support, the day was largely defined by the scale and energy of the ‘No Kings’ protests. Organized in response to what critics saw as the politicization of the military and a display of authoritarian leadership, the No Kings protests unfolded in over 2,000 cities and towns nationwide. Organizers and independent analysts estimate that between four and six million Americans participated in these demonstrations, making them one of the largest coordinated protest movements in recent U.S. history.
No Kings Protests Highlight Public Dissent
The No Kings protests, named to emphasize the principle that no one is above the law, were peaceful and widespread. Major cities like Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and Chicago saw tens of thousands march, while smaller towns also joined in solidarity. The protests were marked by creative displays, including Trump-shaped puppets and banners rejecting strongman politics. Organizers intentionally avoided holding a major protest in Washington, D.C., to shift the focus away from the president’s parade and toward grassroots action across the country.
The contrast between the modest turnout at the Trump military parade and the millions who rallied for the No Kings protests was stark. Images of packed streets, vibrant demonstrations, and community gatherings dominated news coverage, often pushing the parade out of the spotlight. The protests were largely peaceful, with only isolated incidents reported.
Political and Public Reactions on No Kings Protests
The Trump military parade was criticized by many lawmakers and public figures as an inappropriate use of military resources and taxpayer money. Comparisons were drawn to displays in authoritarian regimes, with some calling the event a “distasteful spectacle.” Meanwhile, the president’s response to the No Kings protests was dismissive, downplaying their significance even as images of the demonstrations circulated widely.
Social media amplified the divide, with viral posts mocking the administration’s inflated crowd estimates and highlighting the scale of the protests. The event reignited debates over the role of the military in political life and the importance of upholding democratic norms.