"Sunset Backdrop": Chinese Media Compares US Spectacle and Violence on Trump's Parade Day
Let's Dish on Trump's Military Parade
America's capital city was buzzing with a spectacle, but not everyone was cheering. Donald Trump's military parade on his birthday raised a few eyebrows—or more like furrowed brows—worldwide.
The far and wide criticism pointed straight to Trump's urge to shout, "America is great again." Critics argue that this show of might just brings up memories of a sunset that's setting, a past that can't be reclaimed—a stark reminder of deep-rooted problems unresolved in the US.
State-affiliated outlets like Beijing Daily and China News didn't beat around the bush. They dubbed the day as democracy drowning in the mud. The parade came with protests on one side and an uncertain future on the other. Seems like, in 2025, the US might be dealing with echoes of the parade—gunfire and slogans included.
Global commentators drew a stark contrast between this parade and the military displays regularly put on by authoritarian regimes. They argued it was a desperate attempt to project strength and loyalty to the leader, rather than upholding the norms of a liberal democracy. The parade felt out of sync with American traditions, where military pageantry is normally reserved for significant national commemorations, not personal events.
Critics described the event as "pathetic"—a sign of insecurity and an attempt to mimic the authoritarian pageantry of foreign adversaries. They accused Trump of using taxpayer money to stage a personal political spectacle instead of a genuine national event. The international coverage put it bluntly: American troops are definitely not used to the kind of regimented marches seen in other countries' military parades.
All in all, the parade doesn't appear to be the best celebration of American might. It's more of a stunt, leaving many to question if this is what it means to "Make America Great Again."
Diplomats worldwide have expressed concern about the use of military resources for personal display, potentially disturbing the delicate balance between military strength and diplomatic engagement. Meanwhile, the immigration debate continues to divide the political landscape as many view the parade as a distraction from pressing domestic issues such as immigration reform.
