Washington, D.C. – Thousands of Americans marched in protest across major U.S. cities Saturday as President Donald Trump presided over a rare military parade in Washington, D.C. Demonstrators from coast to coast accused Trump of undermining democratic values and overstepping presidential authority during his second term.
The military display in the nation’s capital timed to coincide with the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and the president’s birthday unfolded under tight security. Tanks, marching bands, and thousands of uniformed troops rolled through the streets while Trump warned that any disruption would be met with “heavy force.”
Meanwhile, protests organized by the grassroots “No Kings” movement swelled in cities including New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Houston. Organizers said millions participated nationwide.
“We’ve been here before, and we’re not backing down,” said Karen Van Trieste, a nurse from Philadelphia, who gathered at Love Park. “I came because public health has been gutted, and our democracy is on the line.”
In Los Angeles, demonstrations intensified. National Guard troops deployed last week by Trump remained on the streets, despite opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom. Tear gas was fired Saturday near the Federal Building to disperse protesters. Still, a few blocks away, crowds marched peacefully, waving flags and holding signs that read “No Kings” and “Democracy, Not Dictatorship.”
One protester, Jose Azetcla, said immigration raids pushed him into action. “This isn’t law enforcement. It’s cruelty,” he said. “You don’t rip families apart.”
The “No Kings” slogan refers to accusations that Trump has expanded executive powers beyond legal limits. Critics point to sweeping immigration enforcement, unilateral budget decisions, and direct deployment of troops domestically.
Though the parade drew thousands of attendees many of them veterans and active-duty soldiers the crowd was smaller than expected, likely due to heavy rain. The Army estimates the event cost between $25 million and $45 million.
“This is for those who never got a parade,” said Melvin Graves, a Vietnam veteran watching from the National Mall. “When I came home, no one clapped. Today, this is for us.”
Trump addressed the audience briefly, praising the military: “Our soldiers never give up. Never surrender. They fight and they win.”
Supporters at the event said the parade was long overdue. Brian Angel, a former Army infantryman, said: “I served on the Korean border and never saw anything like this. Every branch deserves recognition.”
But not everyone agreed with the optics.
“There’s a contrast here that can’t be ignored,” said security analyst Barbara Starr. “You have soldiers marching in Washington while others face off with citizens in the streets of Los Angeles. It’s a troubling message during a national debate over immigration.”
The Los Angeles protests follow days of unrest tied to mass deportations and detentions. Trump’s immigration policies continue to divide the public. A recent CBS/YouGov poll found that 54% of Americans support deporting undocumented immigrants, while 46% oppose the policy.
The same survey revealed that 42% believe the program makes the country safer, and 53% say it prioritizes the removal of dangerous criminals.
Despite rising tension, Trump appears unmoved. He has not addressed the protests directly but insists his actions are legal and in the nation’s best interest.
In Minnesota, some protests were called off after materials linked to the “No Kings” movement were discovered in a car belonging to a suspect accused of killing a state politician and her husband. Governor Tim Walz urged caution, though thousands still took to the streets.
The last U.S. military parade of this scale took place in 1991 after victory in the Gulf War. That event drew crowds close to 800,000. Saturday’s turnout fell short of that figure but ignited a larger political firestorm than the Pentagon likely anticipated.
The debate over presidential power, civil rights, and national identity continues to unfold in real-time. As demonstrations grow and the White House doubles down, the divide between the president’s supporters and opponents shows no signs of narrowing.
