WASHINGTON, D.C. - On June 14, 2025, the United States capital witnessed a grand military parade commemorating the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday. The event, which showcased American military might, was met with widespread 'No Kings' protests across the nation [1][2][3].

The parade, featuring over 6,000 soldiers, 128 Army tanks, and various military vehicles, began early due to light rain and proceeded along Constitution Avenue [1][5]. President Trump, seated on a special viewing stand south of the White House, observed the procession, which included troop formations, heavy artillery exhibitions, and aerial flyovers [3][5].

"The Army keeps us free to make us strong," President Trump remarked in his speech following the parade [5]. The event, which Trump had envisioned since his first term after witnessing a similar display in Paris in 2017, finally came to fruition as part of the Army's anniversary celebrations [6].

While the parade unfolded in Washington, D.C., opponents of the president's policies organized 'No Kings' protests in hundreds of cities nationwide [2][3]. These demonstrations followed days of nationwide protests against federal immigration raids [3].

In Los Angeles, tensions escalated as police used tear gas and flash bangs to disperse demonstrators challenging immigration raids [2][4]. The situation in Los Angeles was particularly charged due to Trump's deployment of the National Guard and U.S. Marines, despite objections from California Governor Gavin Newsom [3].

The military parade and simultaneous protests highlight the deep political divisions within the United States. Critics of the event viewed it as a display of authoritarian tendencies, with some protesters decrying Trump as a "dictator and would-be king" [1][6].

Despite the controversy, the parade attracted an estimated 200,000 attendees and featured increased security measures [3]. The event concluded with a short concert and fireworks display [5].

As the United States grapples with these internal tensions, the global community watches closely, recognizing the potential implications of these events on international relations and the balance of power.