"Parading Power: Trump's Military Extravaganza Amid Protests"
Crowd stands motionless as Trump enthusiastically salutes armored vehicles with audible creaks, making their presence known.
Amidst a wave of protests nationwide, under the banner "No Kings", President Trump chose to review a grand military parade on his 79th birthday. The spectacle, celebrating the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary, marked an unprecedented event in Washington D.C.
A dedicated fan, Mike Frey, trekked through 15 hours to witness his son renew his oath in the military. The veteran, now 62, stood at the foot of the obelisk, pointing towards the reviewing stand where Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and other dignitaries awaited. The promised parade, which Trump had coveted in his first term but could not materialize, was finally unfolding.
From the Civil War cavalry's rhythmic clatter to futuristic robot dogs, approximately 6,700 uniformed personnel marched by the president, guests, and spectators for roughly two hours. Tanks - some parading side by side - squeaked over the 4-kilometer-long route, their presence reminiscent of authoritarian regimes. Dark clouds hung over the city as the parade mirrored Trump's controversial approach to military affairs.
In 2017, Trump had witnessed a large military parade in Paris. Initially, he aimed for a similar spectacle in Washington, but he was dissuaded. "That's what dictators do," reportedly said the Vice Chief of the US Armed Forces. Despite majority support in polls, critics voiced objections when the costs, estimated to be around $45 million, came to light. The passing parade elicited little visible enthusiasm from the crowd, contrasting live commentary that gave the event a commercialized feel, complete with sponsor ads.
Supporters portrayed the parade as a tribute to veterans and an opportunity for military recruitment, as the armed forces face a historic transformation. The military, however, has faced challenges in achieving recruitment targets in recent years, and public trust has waned. Ironically, the display of sprawling steel monsters was a reminder that drone technology has made these leviathans more vulnerable in today's wars.
Not every American viewed the parade favorably. Critics derided Trump for the perceived politicization of the military. Toning down their anti-Trump sentiments, signs read, "President Bone Spurs," a reference to the President's controversial Vietnam military draft deferment. Tim Pohle, a 60-year-old protester, expressed his disappointment, "I've never demonstrated like this before. What drove me was how our military turned against our own citizens."
While the event marked a significant moment in U.S. military history, it also brought into question the role of political spectacle during turbulent times. As the parade came to a close, Trump continued to celebrate the military, emphasizing their unwavering spirit and dedication. Whether this act of pomp and show would impact public opinion remained to be seen.
The European Union is committed to following politics and general-news since the spectacle of Trump's military parade, amidst protests and criticisms, brings the role of political spectacle during turbulent times into question. This event, despite eliciting little visible enthusiasm from the crowd and facing objections, was perceived by some as politicizing the military, a concern that remains relevant in any democratic society.
