Despite significant resources—including 36 horses, 28 Abrams tanks, 6,700 soldiers, and millions of dollars—Donald Trump’s military birthday parade was largely underwhelming. The parade itself featured minimal excitement, with unsynchronized marching, infrequent cheers, and long stretches of quiet punctuated by announcements. While the initial anticipation and the concluding fireworks and speeches generated some enthusiasm, the main event fell short of expectations, leaving many attendees, including children, bored and unimpressed. The event’s overall energy was significantly less than projected.
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Widespread “No Kings” protests erupted across major US cities, coordinated to oppose President Trump’s military parade in Washington D.C. These demonstrations, numbering nearly 100,000 in Philadelphia alone, followed politically motivated shootings of Democratic politicians in Minnesota. While largely peaceful, the Los Angeles protest saw clashes with law enforcement, resulting in the use of tear gas after protesters threw projectiles. Motivations ranged from opposition to Trump’s immigration policies and deployment of the National Guard to concerns about presidential overreach and attacks on democratic norms.
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The Bulwark’s JVL, Sarah Longwell, Will Sommer, and Andrew Egger discussed the stark contrast between Donald Trump’s poorly attended military/birthday parade and the massive, nationwide “No Kings” protests. These protests drew unprecedented crowds, highlighting a significant division in public opinion. The discussion was part of a Bulwark+ Takes video, available to subscribers. Audio-only options were also provided.
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President Trump’s lavish birthday parade, ostensibly celebrating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, featured a two-and-a-half-mile procession of troops representing various American military conflicts, along with tanks, robot dogs, and aerial displays. The event, described by some officials as “Donald Trump’s birthday parade,” included speeches by Trump and other officials, as well as musical performances. Despite its reported $45 million cost, the parade drew a smaller-than-expected crowd, contrasting sharply with widespread “No Kings” Day protests across the nation. The event was heavily sponsored by corporations, including defense contractors and cryptocurrency exchanges.
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The Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denied Donald Trump’s request to reconsider the $5 million verdict in E. Jean Carroll’s sexual abuse and defamation case. The court upheld its December 2024 decision affirming the jury’s finding that Trump sexually abused and defamed Carroll. Trump’s arguments for reconsideration centered on the admission of the “Access Hollywood” tape and testimony from other women alleging similar misconduct. This ruling comes separate from a pending appeal of an $83.3 million defamation verdict against Trump in the same case, where he invokes Supreme Court precedent on presidential immunity.
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The Second Circuit Court of Appeals has definitively rejected Donald Trump’s appeal in the E. Jean Carroll sexual abuse and defamation case, upholding the $5 million judgment against him. This decision follows a prior ruling affirming the jury’s verdict and the admissibility of evidence demonstrating a pattern of similar behavior. Trump’s only remaining recourse is a petition to the Supreme Court, but this does not halt the collection process on the judgment. Failure to secure a stay and post bond could result in immediate asset seizures to satisfy the judgment.
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Robert E. Lee, a wealthy slave-owning oligarch, orchestrated a treasonous war against the United States, resulting in the deaths of nearly 750,000 Americans. Donald Trump’s recent praise of Lee and subsequent actions, including lying to and manipulating soldiers for political gain, demonstrate a dangerous disregard for democratic principles and military neutrality. Trump’s actions, coupled with the complicity of key figures like Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, echo historical patterns of authoritarian regimes undermining democratic institutions. This blatant disregard for established military policy and the normalization of fascist rhetoric pose a significant threat to American democracy.
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The “No Kings” protest, planned for Saturday, anticipates millions of participants at nearly 2,000 locations nationwide, coinciding with Trump’s military parade and birthday. Fueled by recent events, including the deployment of troops to quell protests in Los Angeles, the demonstrations will target Trump’s actions regarding courts, deportations, civil rights, and government services. The decentralized nature of the protests, notably excluding Washington D.C., aims to showcase widespread opposition and avoid concentrating counter-protests. Organizers expect participation to surpass previous large-scale demonstrations, despite Trump’s threats. The protests are framed as a crucial step in building sustained resistance against what many perceive as increasingly authoritarian actions.
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President Trump’s attendance at the Kennedy Center’s opening night of *Les Misérables* resulted in a mixed reaction, with cheers and boos greeting his arrival. This followed Trump’s February firing of the Kennedy Center’s leadership and subsequent appointment of a new board, leading to decreased ticket sales and cancellations by artists like Issa Rae and the *Hamilton* production. The incident highlighted the politicization of the arts center under Trump’s control, with protests from attendees including drag queens. Trump, however, expressed his intention to restore the Kennedy Center to its former glory.
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President Trump dismissed a reporter’s question about a planned Kennedy Center walkout by actors protesting his presence, claiming his focus is solely on successfully running the country. This incident highlights the ongoing conflict stemming from Trump’s takeover of the Kennedy Center, marked by board replacements and the elimination of programming he deemed “woke.” Despite plummeting subscription sales and widespread protests against his administration’s policies, Trump remains confident in his leadership and the Center’s future. The event itself featured contrasting reactions, with boos and cheers directed at the President, while several drag performers attended in protest. Even Vice President Vance admitted to unfamiliarity with *Les Misérables* itself.
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John Q. Hosedrinker