Mass Protests Erupt Across U.S. as Trump Hosts Military Parade Amid Controversy
By Wafric - Politics
WafricNews – June 15, 2025
Washington D.C. – Tens of thousands of Americans took to the streets in cities nationwide on Saturday in a sweeping protest movement dubbed “No Kings,” targeting President Donald Trump’s military parade and his increasingly hardline policies during his second term in office.
The protests, held across more than 100 cities, from Los Angeles to New York to Houston, marked the largest coordinated demonstrations against Trump since his re-election. Activists, lawmakers, and union leaders rallied under the banner of protecting democratic norms and resisting what they described as the president’s growing authoritarianism.
“We’re not protesting the military—we’re protesting the misuse of power,” said Karen Van Trieste, a 61-year-old nurse protesting in Philadelphia’s Love Park. “This is about defending our democracy.”
Trump, the commander-in-chief, stands to salute as the troops march past Military Spectacle Meets Civil Dissent
While Trump presided over a rare and controversial military parade in Washington D.C., demonstrators flooded the streets in opposition. The parade, staged to coincide with Trump’s birthday and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, featured tanks, marching bands, and thousands of uniformed troops.
Critics have called it a “vanity project”, with cost estimates ranging from $25 million to $45 million. Former military officials and members of Congress have questioned both the purpose and the timing of the display, especially amid a deepening immigration crisis.
“Our soldiers never give up. Never surrender. And never, ever quit,” Trump said in a brief speech, before praising the military for its service. But to many, his words rang hollow against the backdrop of protests and National Guard deployments across the country.
Immigration Tensions Fuel the Fire
In Los Angeles, where anger has boiled over following a series of deportation raids, crowds clashed with National Guard units deployed last week—against the wishes of California Governor Gavin Newsom.
At one flashpoint near the Federal Building, tear gas was used to disperse protesters, while nearby streets saw continued peaceful marches. Jose Azetcla, a member of the Brown Berets civil rights group, told the BBC:
“This isn’t just harsh—it’s evil. You don’t separate families.”
Across several cities, the “No Kings” protests directly challenged Trump’s use of federal power to enforce immigration crackdowns and suppress dissent. The name of the movement is a direct rebuke to what many see as Trump’s erosion of constitutional boundaries.
The parade was a way to say thank you, says Melvin Graves
Public Opinion Remains Divided
Despite the large turnout and widespread anger, recent polling indicates divided national sentiment. A CBS/YouGov poll last week found 54% of Americans supported Trump’s policy of deporting undocumented immigrants, with 46% opposed.
A plurality, 42%, said the policy made them feel safer, while over half (53%) believed the deportations focused on individuals with criminal records.
Security Fears and Violence Overshadow Some Events
In Minnesota, several “No Kings” rallies were cancelled after police discovered flyers for the event in the vehicle of a man accused of killing a state politician and her spouse. Governor Tim Walz urged caution and called for a temporary pause in protests until the suspect was apprehended.
Still, thousands turned out in defiance, showing the depth of public frustration.
Parade as Tribute or Political Theater?
While many condemned the parade as politically charged, others viewed it as a long-overdue tribute to military service. Melvin Graves, a Vietnam War veteran, said:
“When I came home, there was no parade. Today, I finally got one. Yes, it’s political, but it’s also personal.”
Younger veterans echoed similar sentiments. Brian Angel, who served in South Korea between 2014 and 2017, said:
“Every branch deserves recognition. We don’t always get that.”
Still, the militarised display in the capital contrasted starkly with the scenes of confrontation and resistance unfolding in other parts of the country.
A protester in LA throws a tear gas canister back towards police
A Nation on Edge
With protests intensifying and divisions deepening, many observers say the U.S. is entering a volatile chapter of its political history. Security analysts warn that Trump’s use of the military to manage civil unrest may further erode trust in democratic institutions.
“It’s hard to celebrate the military while using troops to police your own people,” said Barbara Starr, a national security expert.
As the country moves closer to the next election cycle, the question remains: is Trump uniting the country in patriotism, or stoking unrest for political gain?
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