Thousands turned out to enjoy festivities and a sprawling military parade in Washington, D.C., even as dismal weather forecasts and nationwide anti-Trump “No Kings” protests threatened to dampen the Army’s 250th birthday celebration.
On Saturday, which also happened to be President Donald Trump’s birthday, the Army held a sweeping affair featuring more than 6,000 soldiers, approximately 150 vehicles, 50 aircraft, paratroopers jumping out of planes, and fireworks to highlight its milestone anniversary.
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Although reports had earlier indicated the event might have to be canceled due to inclement weather, the parade went forward as planned, with attendees experiencing little more than a light rain.
“The Army keeps us free, you make us strong, and tonight, you have made all Americans very proud,” Trump said during a speech at the parade. “Every other country celebrates their victories. It’s about time America did too.”
Even as the president spoke, roughly 5 million Trump critics demonstrated against the White House during approximately 2,000 nationwide “No Kings” protests, several of which became violent, including in red states, despite warnings from the GOP to avoid riotous behavior.
The demonstrations accused Trump of exhibiting authoritarian behavior, including authorizing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to make sweeps targeting illegal immigrants nationwide and sending federal troops into California to quell anti-ICE protests during the recent Los Angeles riot. “No Kings” organizers said the military parade Saturday represented Trump’s wish to have “tanks in the street and a made-for-TV display of dominance” for his birthday.
While many Democrats were on board with the protests and criticized Trump’s military parade, Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), known for his maverick stances, rebuked some of his colleagues, and Republicans such as Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) expressed concern about the function’s steep costs. Such an event celebrating the Army is meant to honor “the very best of us,” Fetterman said.
“This parade is comprised of our sons, daughters, mothers and fathers,” the Pennsylvania Democrat added. “Regardless of your politics, it’s appropriate to celebrate the 250 years of sacrifice, dedication and service,” he posted alongside a replay of the nearly three-hour event.
Some of the “No Kings” demonstrations — such as in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Seattle — became unruly, while police in Portland, Oregon, declared a riot at an ICE facility and arrested multiple people after protests descended into violence.
A “mob” there injured four law enforcement officers as they launched fireworks, smoke grenades, and threw rocks at authorities, Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Fox News Digital.
TRUMP GETS HIS FIRST-TERM WISH OF A MILITARY PARADE
During a rally attended by roughly 600 people in Culpeper, Virginia, a man rammed his car into the crowd, hitting one person. In Utah, authorities said one person was critically injured from a gunshot wound after violence erupted during a “No Kings” protest in Salt Lake City.
Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd said during a press conference that “it appears” the three people arrested, one of whom is in the hospital after sustaining “serious injuries” from gunshot wounds, “were involved at some level in the protest or at least part of the group that was walking” in the demonstration.