President Donald Trump’s long-desired military parade proceeded down Constitution Avenue in Washington D.C. on 14 June, featuring tanks, troops and ceremonial displays, while demonstrators across the country organized “No Kings” protests against Trump denouncing what they characterized as authoritarianism.

According to Associated Press, more than 6,000 American military personnel and 128 tanks participated in the parade, which featured a 21-gun salute and a demonstration jump by the “Golden Knights” parachute team over the National Mall. The event included exhibitions of armored vehicles, helicopters and military equipment, alongside sales of army merchandise and Trump-branded items.

Trump had pursued such a parade since his first presidential term, drawing inspiration from a 2017 Paris military display. The Washington event finally materialized as part of the Army’s 250th anniversary celebration.

The celebration included Trump personally administering oaths to 250 army recruits and contractors, along with musical performances and fireworks. However, organizers canceled the planned flyover of American fighter jets due to weather conditions.

Attendance fell significantly short of projected expectations, with many designated spectator areas remaining empty despite predictions of 200,000 attendees.

Meanwhile, protest organizers coordinated “No Kings” rallies in hundreds of cities on the same day, explicitly designed to counter what they described as Trump’s ego-driven celebration. Washington demonstrators carried signs reading “Where’s the due process?” and “No to Trump’s fascist military parade” while marching toward the White House. Protesters displayed a large Trump puppet wearing a crown and sitting on a golden toilet, along with messages referencing Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

They called for the defense of democracy, immigrant rights, and civil liberties, highlighting deep divisions in the country.

The parade addition to the Army anniversary celebration drew criticism for its estimated $45 million cost and potential street damage from heavy tanks. Army officials implemented protective measures including metal plates along the parade route.

A poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that about 60 % of Americans considered the parade an inappropriate use of government funds, while 78 % expressed neither approval nor disapproval of the event overall.