Military parade for Trump in Washington, “No Kings” protests in 1,800 cities

On the 250th anniversary of the army and the president’s birthday, military power is on display. But opposition is mounting, even in Italy

Saturday 14 June, Washington will be the scene of the largest military parade in the last thirty years, while in thousands of American cities and abroad, protests will take place against what is described as President Donald Trump’s authoritarian drift. The event coincides with the 250th anniversary of the founding of the US Army and Trump’s 79th birthday, who strongly wanted this celebration after being hindered during his first term.

The parade will begin at 6.30 p.m. and will feature over 6,000 uniformed military personnel, 150 armoured vehicles, including Abrams tanks, 50 warplanes, paratroopers and military bands. On the sidelines of the event, there will also be a festival at the National Mall, with music and food stands.

But the atmosphere in the country is far from unified. According to the Washington Post, the contrast between celebration and dissent reflects the deep divide that has run through America since Trump’s return to the White House. While one part of the country praises him for his uncompromising policies on immigration and internal security, the other accuses him of threatening the Constitution and the rule of law.

The latter is represented by the “50501” movement, which stands for 50 protests in 50 states for a single movement committed to defending democracy and denouncing authoritarianism. The protests are planned in over 1,800 American cities and towns, with the slogan “No Kings”, and require participants to behave in a non-violent, unarmed and law-abiding manner.

Solidarity initiatives with the American movement are also planned in Italy. The organisation Democrats Abroad Nord Italia has announced rallies in Milan (Piazza Cairoli, 6 p.m.), Venice (Santa Lucia, 3 p.m.) and Turin (Piazza Carignano, 10 a.m.). “The real action will be in the communities, not in the spotlight of the parade,” reads a statement.

The controversy is compounded by the high cost of the event, estimated at between $25 million and $45 million, and criticism from many veterans. Democratic Congressman Jason Crow, a former soldier in Iraq and Afghanistan, called the parade ‘a vain move,’ contrasting it with cuts in assistance to veterans and the deterioration of military infrastructure.

Finally, bad weather could threaten the success of the parade, with thunderstorms and lightning forecast for the afternoon. However, the White House has confirmed the celebration, stating that any changes will be communicated by the Pentagon.

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(Photo: © AndKronos)