Overview

• President Trump presided over the June 14 parade in Washington, D.C., where soldiers in period uniforms marched along Pennsylvania Avenue and military hardware from muskets to modern armored vehicles rolled past the National Mall.
• Spectators greeted the pageantry with cheers and a surge of patriotism as the Army traced its origins from its 1775 founding to the present day.
• Organized No Kings protests in cities across the country drew millions who condemned the event as a fascist spectacle and accused the White House of exploiting the military for political gain.
• The inclusion of corporate sponsorships from defense contractors attracted criticism for commercializing a national commemoration of the Army’s history.
• Observers noted President Trump’s subdued demeanor during his brief remarks and analysts warned of efforts by the administration to merge political messaging with military ceremony.