Thousands Protest Amid Low-Key Military Parade Honoring Trump’s Birthday
On a day marked by President Trump’s 79th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, the nation witnessed a stark contrast between jubilant supporters at a ceremonial parade and widespread anti-Trump demonstrations across hundreds of American cities and towns.
In Washington D.C., approximately 250 MAGA loyalists gathered to watch the military parade, which was punctuated by historical commentary celebrating the U.S. Army’s milestones. After the long-moving event, the attendees sang happy birthday to the president, who delivered a brief, forceful speech emphasizing America’s military strength.
Trump issued a stern warning to U.S. adversaries: “If you threaten the American people, our soldiers are coming for you. Your defeat will be certain, your demise will be final, and your downfall will be total and complete.” He highlighted the resilience of the military with the rallying cry of “They fight, fight, fight—and they win, win, win,” though critics quickly noted the irony given past controversial military withdrawals.
A Parade Marked by Symbolism and Sparse Attendance
The event itself was emblematic of the current political climate. A World War II-era Sherman tank rolled slowly past the president, its squeaky bogey wheels drawing more attention than applause from the scant spectators seated on mostly empty risers. Observers called the slow-moving tank a perfect metaphor for what they described as the hollow and faltering pageantry of the Trump administration’s second term.
Despite the modest turnout at the parade, thousands of Trump supporters nationwide praised the event’s flawless planning and patriotic spirit, largely dismissing the sizable protests just outside the security perimeters.
Massive Anti-Trump Rallies Sweep the Nation
Simultaneously, in a vivid display of dissent, activists and voters packed hundreds of rallies nationwide, waving placards with slogans like “Electile Dysfunction,” “Turd Reich,” and “No Faux-King Way.” One protesting poster cynically asked, “If Melania doesn’t want to live with him, why do we have to?” while another quipped, “They are eating the checks, they are eating the balances.”
This widespread opposition arrives amid polling showing a notable dip in Trump’s popularity. A recent Quinnipiac University poll reported a 38% approval rating versus 54% disapproval, with a contemporaneous CBS/YouGov poll confirming similar disapproval at 55%. Supporters disputing these figures point to other polls, which backers say lean more favorably.
Pakistani Expat Community Protests Amid Speculation Over Army Chief’s Visit
Meanwhile, in Washington, a separate protest engaged the Pakistani expatriate community. Hundreds of supporters of jailed political leader Imran Khan gathered outside the Pakistan Embassy to protest the rumored U.S. visit of Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir—who notably did not make a public appearance.
Despite official statements denying any invitation or visit from foreign dignitaries, including Munir, demonstrators remained adamant, with some activists vocally demanding Munir come out. Flyers described Munir as responsible for “constitutional violations, stolen public mandate, and grave human rights abuses” in Pakistan. Digital vans displayed critical videos branding him the “Butcher of Islamabad.”
Adding fuel to speculation, pro-Munir billboards appeared in New York City’s Times Square, intensifying doubts about the general’s whereabouts during the festivities.
While celebrations continued in the capital, nationwide protests underscored the deep divisions within the country and the shifting tides of public opinion heading into the next chapter of American politics.
