Trump’s Army parade rolls on: No clashes amid massive nationwide No Kings protests

President Donald Trump's long-anticipated Army parade, celebrating the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary, rolled through Washington, D.C., on June 14 with over 6,000 soldiers, 128 tanks, and a 21-gun salute.

The event, which Trump had sought since 2017, coincided with his 79th birthday and drew criticism for its cost—up to $45 million—and for evoking authoritarian imagery.

In response, nearly 2,000 "No Kings" protests erupted nationwide, opposing what organizers described as Trump's "authoritarian excesses" and executive overreach. These demonstrations spanned all 50 states, with major gatherings in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, Cincinnati, and Portland.

Los Angeles saw thousands march peacefully, with Mayor Karen Bass urging calm, while San Francisco's protests drew over 10,000 participants. Denver's mile-long march featured chants against Trump and calls to uphold constitutional limits.

"It's people coming together as a community, not just in Cincinnati, but across the country," said Ben Barden, a protest organizer.

Despite the scale of protests, the day remained largely peaceful with no reported clashes between police and demonstrators.

The 50501 Movement, representing 50 states and 50 protests, emphasized the message that no individual is above the law, underscoring the nationwide call to resist perceived authoritarianism.

"This is the moment, people, where we have to say, 'No, this is the red line — you are not a king,'" said Denver resident Michelle Mottler.

The parade and protests highlighted the deep divisions in the country over Trump's leadership style and use of military symbolism, with critics warning against the dangers of executive overreach and the militarization of political events.

Overall, the day marked a historic convergence of military celebration and widespread civic dissent, reflecting the polarized political climate in the United States.

On June 14, President Trump's long-awaited Army parade in Washington, D.C., marking the Army's 250th anniversary, proceeded without clashes amid massive nationwide 'No Kings' protests opposing his administration's perceived authoritarianism. Demonstrations occurred in over 2,000 U.S. cities, including major gatherings in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Denver, and Cincinnati.