Trump’s Big Military Parade Mocked As Crowd Size Sparks Embarrassment Online

Just family and friends?


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571 points

On Saturday, the streets of Washington, D.C., were transformed into a grand spectacle. The event marked the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and also coincided with Trump’s 79th birthday. His team planned it as a moment of pride. But very few people showed up to watch.

Photos from the parade showed long stretches of empty ground. Barricades lined the streets. Security was everywhere. But the crowd was missing. The cheers were light. The walkways were quiet.

Trump waved to the military vehicles and accepted a folded flag. He stood before the cameras and smiled. But the atmosphere felt flat. Many who saw the images online had the same thought: this was not the big crowd Trump had hoped for.

At the same time, people across the country were gathering for something very different.

Protests erupted in cities such as New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Los Angeles. These “No Kings” protests were planned to coincide with the parade on the same day. They were organized by people who believe Trump acts more like a ruler than a president.

The difference was hard to miss. While D.C. remained mostly empty, photos from protest sites showed streets and parks filled with people. Some marchers held signs that read, “We the people have no king” and “Hands off our democracy.”

People online were quick to compare the two scenes. Some pointed out that the protesters outnumbered the parade crowd by a far margin.

The parade came at a high cost. Reports say it may have cost between $25 million and $45 million. Many people questioned why that money was used for a parade while other parts of the country were struggling.

Even the weather seemed uncertain. Clouds moved in, and the sky turned gray. But the event went on.

Still, the silence of the crowd spoke louder than the noise of the machines.

Featured image via X screengrab



Terry Lawson

Terry is an editor and political writer based in Alabama. Over the last five years, he’s worked behind the scenes as a ghostwriter for a range of companies, helping shape voices and tell stories that connect. Now at Political Tribune, he writes sharp political pieces and edits with a close eye on clarity and tone. Terry’s work is driven by strong storytelling, attention to detail, and a clear sense of purpose. He’s skilled in writing, editing, and project management — and always focused on getting the message right. You can find him on X at https://x.com/terrylwsn.

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