In Washington, D.C., a military parade celebrating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and coinciding with President Trump’s birthday became a polarizing event that highlighted America’s deep political and cultural divisions. While the parade showcased tanks and armored vehicles rolling through the nation’s capital, protests in various cities across the country criticized the event as an attempt to politicize the armed forces by an authoritarian figure.

The contrast between the protesters in Annapolis, largely holding signs advocating resistance and criticizing the parade’s cost, and the celebratory atmosphere in D.C. underscored the stark differences in viewpoints. The Annapolis protest featured a George Washington reenactor emphasizing the voluntary relinquishment of military power, contrasting it with what was perceived as an autocratic-style display of military might in D.C.

President Trump defended the parade as a celebration of victory, though it was actually a commemoration of the Army’s birthday. Attendees at the parade in D.C., including diverse military families, enjoyed the festivities, which included tank displays and corporate sponsor acknowledgments.

While some dismissed criticisms of authoritarian overtones at the parade, others viewed it as a show of patriotism. The event encapsulated the ongoing debate over Trump’s leadership style, with supporters praising his perceived strength and critics expressing concerns about democratic norms.

The day culminated in a divided America, symbolized by the clash between parade-goers and protesters near the White House, illustrating the deep-seated divisions within the country that remain unresolved.