• President Trump presided over a military parade marking the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary.
• The event was staged despite threats of rain and drew both supporters and protesters.
• Critics likened the parade to displays seen in authoritarian regimes.
• The parade cost between $25 million and $45 million, raising concerns over its funding.
• Nationwide protests were organized to oppose the military display and Trump’s presidency.

The U.S. Army's 250th anniversary was marked by a *grand military parade* in Washington, D.C., with President Trump overseeing the display, which included 6,600 troops and a procession of military vehicles and aircraft. Despite looming thunderstorms, the event proceeded with tanks, helicopters, and the U.S. Army's Golden Knights parachute team, showcasing the nation's military might and commemorating the Army's long history, according to Newsweek and The Hill.

Trump, celebrating his 79th birthday, called the event a long-overdue celebration of American military victories, stating, "Every other country celebrates their victories. It’s about time America did, too," as he administered the oath to 250 new recruits. His remarks were brief but framed the event as a display of national pride and gratitude for the soldiers' sacrifices, according to The Hill and NPR.

However, the parade was met with significant controversy, as many criticized the militaristic display as reminiscent of authoritarian regimes and a politicization of the armed forces. Democratic lawmakers denounced the event as wasteful and self-indulgent, comparing it to the spectacle often seen in countries like North Korea and Russia. Criticisms also highlighted the event's estimated cost of up to $45 million, which included logistics and security, according to The Hill and NPR.

Simultaneously, the military parade coincided with organized "No Kings" protests across the United States, with over 2,000 demonstrations planned. Activists pointed to the event as a demonstration of power that undermines democratic values. Protesters participated peacefully in various cities, calling for an end to what they termed Trump’s autocratic tendencies, expressing concerns about rising fascism and government authority in the U.S. These sentiments were echoed by many participants who felt that the parade asserted an unwanted militaristic identity, underscoring the divisive atmosphere during the celebration, according to NPR.

Despite the downpours and the dramatic weather threats, the parade showcases a significant aspect of American military history while revealing stark divisions within American society regarding the use of military displays for political purposes. The presence of rain did little to dampen the hard work put into organizing the event, which had not occurred in decades, with many attendees expressing support for such shows of military pride, according to Newsweek and The Hill.