United States President Donald Trump's long-awaited military parade marched through the streets of downtown Washington on Saturday, marking the 250th anniversary of the American military, but the celebration was overshadowed by a day of violence and division.
Ahead of the parade, hundreds of thousands of Americans marched and protested in cities across the country - from New York and Chicago to Los Angeles - expressing dissatisfaction with Trump's actions in office, in the largest demonstrations since he returned to power in January, Reuters reports.
That day, in the north, in the state of Minnesota, a gunman killed a Democratic congresswoman and wounded another congressman, after which he fled and is still on the run.
Meanwhile, Israel and Iran continued to exchange missile strikes early Sunday, fueling fears of a wider conflict between the two states.
The events followed a week of tensions in Los Angeles, where protests over federal immigration raids led Trump to call on the National Guard and US Marines to "keep the peace," despite opposition from California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat.
Trump's 79th birthday parade
The parade started earlier than planned because storms were forecast for the Washington area.
Tanks, armored vehicles and artillery roared down the famous Constitution Street, an unusual sight in the United States, where such displays of military force are rare.
"All the other countries are celebrating their victories, it's time for America to start too," Trump told the crowd after the parade.
Thousands of spectators lined the parade route. Trump watched the event from an elevated box behind bulletproof glass.
Some Trump opponents also managed to take up positions along the route, carrying banners with protest messages, while other demonstrators were physically separated from the crowd by local police.
The US military brought nearly 7.000 troops and 150 vehicles to Washington, including more than 25 M1 Abrams tanks, 28 Stryker armored vehicles, four Paladin self-propelled howitzers, as well as other artillery, including the M777 and M119.
Military history and political context
The parade featured a timeline of the American military, from its founding during the Revolutionary War to the present day. Trump often stood and saluted the troops as they passed.
Members of his administration were also present, including Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
During his first term (2017–2021), Trump expressed his desire to organize a military parade in the capital.
A similar parade was last seen in 1991, when tanks and soldiers paraded to celebrate victory over Saddam Hussein's forces after the Gulf War and the liberation of Kuwait.
Officials estimated that the parade's costs would reach between $25 million and $45 million, including moving equipment, feeding and housing soldiers.
Critics have condemned the parade as an authoritarian show of force and wastefulness, especially given Trump's rhetoric about cutting federal spending, Reuters writes.
"I don't see any problem. I'll celebrate security and stability over anarchy any day," said Trump supporter Brian Henry, 61, who traveled from Texas.
Mass protests and messages of resistance
On the same day, thousands of people protested in Washington and other cities against Trump's policies. The demonstrations were largely peaceful, but they represented the largest wave of resistance to his rule since his return to power in January.
The situation in Los Angeles was tense. An hour before the curfew was due to begin, mounted police officers aggressively dispersed protesters using tear gas, stun grenades and other non-lethal methods, causing panic and mass fleeing.
The protesters set off fireworks at the police, and threw rocks and bottles. Many wore gas masks and helmets, determined to stay on the streets for hours.
One group confronted soldiers outside the federal building, shouting, "Shame on you! Shame on you!" and "Marines, leave LA!"
Anti-Trump movements organized nearly 2.000 protests across the United States, synchronized with the parade. Many were under the slogan "No Kings," emphasizing that no one is above the law.
Thousands of people of all ages gathered in and around Bryant Park in Manhattan, carrying signs including one that read, "No crown for clowns." Actor Mark Ruffalo was among the protesters, wearing a cap that read "immigrant."
“We are witnessing the dehumanization of LGBT people, people with autism and other disabilities, racial minorities, as well as undocumented people,” said Cooper Smith, 20, from upstate New York. “Someone has to show that the majority of Americans are against this.”
In Chicago, protesters clashed with police in the city center, waving downed American flags and chanting, "Who are you protecting? Who are you serving?" and "No justice, no peace!"
In Atlanta, members of the far-right Proud Boys also appeared in their distinctive black and yellow colors at protests against Trump.
About 400 people, organized by the group RefuseFascism.org, marched through Washington and gathered at a rally opposite the White House. Trump had previously warned that those who protested would "be met with great force."
"Today we refuse to accept Donald Trump using the military against the people of this country and in its streets. We say, 'No way!'" Sunzara Taylor, founder of the RefuseFascism movement, told the crowd.
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