His long -awaited military parade took place on Saturday on the streets of Washington, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the US Army and at the same time the president’s 79th birthday. However, the brilliance of the event was overshadowed by a wave of violence and protests that spread throughout the country.
The parade was a rare spectacle for their tanks, armored vehicles, cannons and about 7,000 soldiers crossing the historic constitution Avenue. Donald Trump, sitting behind a bulletproof glass, watched the spectacle along with members of his government and thousands of spectators who had gathered along the way. The parade started earlier than planned due to thunderstorms, and the presence of strong security forces was evident.
Trump, who had expressed a desire for such a parade since his first term, stressed: “Every country is celebrating its victories, it’s time to do so.”
Mass demonstrations and episodes
At the same time, hundreds of thousands of protesters flooded the streets in major cities such as New York, Chicago and, protesting Trump’s policies and the demonstration of military power. The demonstrations were the biggest of his return to power in January, with the slogan «No Kings» To dominate, underlining the contrast to personality and authoritarianism.
In Washington, anti -war protesters raised banners with slogans such as “Homes Not Drones”, while in Los Angeles, tensions escalated with the intervention of the National Guard and the Marines, at Trump’s order and despite the opposition of the Democratic ruler. There were conflicts, tear gas and arrests, as protesters reacted to federal immigrant expulsion companies.
Under the shadow of international developments
The day was also marked by the murder of a Democratic MP in Minnesota, while the perpetrator remains unmistakable. At the same time, tension in the Middle East has increased, with a new exchange of rocket attacks between Israel and Iran raising concern for further escalation.
Divided society – high cost
The cost of the parade is estimated at between $ 25 and $ 45 million, an amount of waste, especially since the president is committed to spending cuts. Trump’s supporters, however, said they prefer “security and stability from anarchy”, while critics spoke of “demonstration of authoritarianism” and “militarization of public life”.
