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Key Points:
- President Donald Trump held a $45 million military parade in Washington, D.C., on June 14, 2025, for the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary.
- The parade faced protests across the U.S. as part of “No Kings Day” demonstrations against Trump’s policies.
- A suspect, Vance Luther Boelter, allegedly killed a Minnesota lawmaker in a “politically motivated” shooting hours before the parade.
On June 14, 2025, thousands of troops marched in Washington, D.C., for a $45 million military parade celebrating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary. Tanks filled the streets, and helicopters flew overhead. President Donald Trump, who turned 79 that day, called it a “grandiose show” on Truth Social. He said it would go on “RAIN OR SHINE.”
The parade started 30 minutes early due to expected storms. Some flyovers were canceled, per NBC News. Trump, joined by Melania Trump and cabinet members such as Marco Rubio, watched from the stage.
Nationwide Protests Raises Against Trump’s Policies
Thousands protested Trump’s policies in cities like Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia. The “No Kings Day” demonstrations saw clashes with counter-protesters and police. In Los Angeles, tensions grew after Trump sent the National Guard to stop immigration protests.
On X, @NoKingsDay shared images of crowds, saying, “We reject Trump’s agenda.” Smaller towns also held rallies. Critics on X, like @DemocracyNow, called the parade a “wasteful display” amid economic struggles.
Hours before the parade, a suspect named Vance Luther Boelter allegedly shot and killed a Minnesota Democratic lawmaker and her husband. He also attacked another Democratic legislator and his wife in a separate shooting. Authorities called it a “politically motivated assassination,” per Reuters.
Boelter, still at large, posed as a police officer. Minnesota officials urged people to avoid planned protests, but many attended anyway. On X, @MNProtest said the shootings made their rally “more urgent.” The violence raised fears of escalating political unrest.
The parade’s $45 million cost, confirmed by an Army spokesperson, sparked backlash. Some Republicans, like Sen. Rand Paul, called it “excessive. Trump, in an NBC “Meet the Press” interview, said the cost was “peanuts” compared to its value. “Every other country celebrates victories,” he said at the parade. Critics argued that the money could be used to fund veterans’ care or education. On X, @VeteransForPeace asked, “Why not help soldiers instead?”
Trump’s Vision Realized
Trump had wanted a military parade since his first term, inspired by France’s Bastille Day event, according to The Washington Post. Pentagon officials blocked it in 2018, citing costs. Now, with loyalists like Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary, Trump got his wish.
The parade, the largest since 1991’s Gulf War event under George H. W. Bush, included a wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. On X, @TrumpSupporter cheered, “Finally, a proud America!”
The parade contrasted with rising tensions. In the Middle East, Israel’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites and Iran’s retaliation raised fears of war, per BBC. At home, protests over Trump’s immigration policies fueled unrest. The parade’s fireworks ended the event despite storms. NPR said it showed a divided nation.
The fallout from the shootings and protests may shape Trump’s second term as he pushes his agenda.