Trump Military Parade and 'No Kings' Protests: Compare Photos
Time14 hrs
Trump Military Parade Marks US Army's 250th Anniversary
Above: U.S Army members parade down Constitution Avenue to mark the 250th birthday of the Army, on June 14. Image copyright: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
The Spin
Republican narrative
This parade honored America's finest military tradition and celebrated the brave soldiers who have defended freedom for 250 years. Trump rightfully showcased American military strength after years of weakness, giving U.S. troops the recognition they deserve. The event demonstrated the patriotic pride that other nations regularly display, finally putting America first in celebrating its victories and military heritage.
Democratic narrative
The elaborate military spectacle resembled authoritarian displays commonly seen in dictatorships, blurring the lines between celebrating the Army and Trump's birthday. The $45 million parade is a wasteful expenditure of government funds during a time of proposed federal cuts. The event represented dangerous presidential overreach, especially combined with Trump's unprecedented deployment of federal forces against state wishes in California.