OneRepublic's Ryan Tedder Criticizes Protests on US Army 250th Anniversary

On June 14, 2025, the United States Army celebrated its 250th anniversary with a military parade in Washington, D.C., coinciding with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday. Concurrently, nationwide protests called No Kings, organized by the 50501 Movement, opposed what they viewed as authoritarian tendencies in Trump's presidency and specifically criticized the parade and his policies, drawing support from celebrities like Olivia Rodrigo and Mark Ruffalo. OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder expressed disappointment over the protests, emphasizing his family's long history of military service and lamenting that people chose to demonstrate instead of honoring the Army. Tedder clarified that he is politically unaffiliated and found much of today's political discourse absurd, but wished to thank active and retired service members. His comments, shared on Instagram, sparked backlash online, with critics accusing him of being tone-deaf and ignoring the context of protests where veterans were reportedly mistreated. The event highlighted deep divisions in public opinion over the Trump administration's use of military displays and responses to dissent.