Trump’s parade plans backfire

On June 14, 2025, President Donald Trump organized a grand military parade in Washington, D.C., to mark the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, which coincidentally fell on his 79th birthday. The event, costing between $25 and $45 million, aimed to showcase military strength but turned into a major disappointment due to poor planning. Sparse crowds showed up, overshadowed by massive “No Kings” protests across the country, where millions rallied against Trump’s leadership style.

Social media buzzed with mockery, highlighting the low turnout and disorganized event. Videos showed out-of-sync soldiers marching, lacking the energy expected of a grand display. Experts noted the parade seemed more about Trump celebrating himself than honoring the military, drawing comparisons to spectacles in authoritarian regimes. Posts on X captured the public’s reaction, with one user joking about the small crowd size, amplifying the event’s failure.

Trump called the parade a “tremendous success” while heading to the G7 summit, but the reality was different. The event faced criticism for its high cost and lack of public support, with images of a glum Trump going viral. Meanwhile, protests in Arizona and elsewhere underscored widespread dissent. The parade, meant to boost Trump’s image, instead highlighted his disconnect with many Americans, turning a planned celebration into a public relations misstep.