Trump Military Parade in DC Draws Mass Protests, Political Violence Nationwide

President Donald Trump celebrated the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary with a military parade in Washington, D.C., on his 79th birthday, featuring thousands of troops, tanks, artillery, and a flyover despite a forecast of rain. The parade, which Trump described as a long-overdue celebration of American military victories, drew thousands of spectators and included pardoned Jan. 6 rioters among the crowd, while critics protested the event nationwide. In several cities, including Detroit and Alton, large-scale peaceful protests organized under the 'No Kings' banner coincided with the parade, expressing concerns about authoritarianism and Trump administration policies. Law enforcement presence was heightened in some states, and National Guard troops were on standby due to the potential for unrest. The events followed a week of heightened tensions marked by federal immigration raids in Los Angeles and violent incidents elsewhere, reflecting deep divisions amid calls for law and order from the president. Meanwhile, unrelated to the parade, Washington hosted the WorldPride event, highlighting diversity and inclusion, where participants celebrated LGBTQ+ identities and intersectionality with high spirits.