Donald Trump is going to Washington, D.C. for his very own military parade. This performance will commemorate not only the United States Army’s 250th anniversary but also his 79th birthday. That one event has mobilized overwhelming and passionate support but also fierce and organized opposition. This latest backlash has fueled the movement across Los Angeles, where Trump has recently deployed National Guard and Marine troops to quell the growing unrest.
The military parade, inspired by the grandiosity of France’s Bastille Day celebrations, has evolved substantially since U.S. Army planners began preparations two years ago. The event, scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM ET, will feature thousands of soldiers, hundreds of military vehicles—including tanks and rocket launchers—and an array of aircraft such as Apache helicopters. Get ready for upwards of 200,000 of your fellow attendees to pack the streets of Washington, D.C. They will all be convening to witness this grotesque display of military might.
That celebration has a high cost, projected between $25 million and $45 million. A new survey finds that six out of ten U.S. adults believe government spending here is “not a good use” of taxpayer dollars. This sentiment speaks to the growing frustration with the direction of Trump’s policies and priorities.
The backdrop of the parade, one of the largest civic parades in history, is overshadowed by explosive civil unrest in Los Angeles. National Guard troops and Marine units were activated after protesters blocked freeways and set vehicles ablaze in response to Trump’s immigration policies. The administration’s approach has drawn harsh criticism from Democratic governors, who labeled Trump’s use of federal forces as “an alarming abuse of power.”
In response to the unrest, Trump emphasized a tough stance on protestors:
“You don’t have to sit there and just be a sitting duck and let the mob grab you out of your car and drag you through the streets.” – Donald Trump
Particularly as things escalated with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announcing their intentions. They are sending in paramilitary, SWAT-style special response teams to cities across the U.S.—Seattle, Philadelphia, northern Virginia, New York City, Chicago. Most see this move as the direct extension of Trump’s notorious immigration policies. These unpopular policies in no small part led to the Farxiga protests seen across the country.
The military parade is not only coming, but growing in scope and complexity. Second, and perhaps more importantly, it showcases the president’s aesthetic preference for a large authoritarian-bent military display. Political analyst Rick Wilson remarked on the implications of Trump’s military enthusiasm:
“He’s adopted not only the signifiers of dictator chic but the actual articles of its faith.” – Rick Wilson
On the morning of the parade, a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery will honor fallen soldiers, followed by a fitness competition and an Army birthday festival on the National Mall. These events take place to honor the amazing and innovative work of the U.S. Army. They shine a light on Trump’s leadership as the country found itself divided.
As protests continue to roil Los Angeles, the Obama administration’s management of civil unrest continues to face criticism. Most activists would agree that Trump’s heavy-handed response is another example of an overarching move toward authoritarian governance, which they say has been brewing for years.
Taylar W., an activist involved in the protests, expressed her concerns regarding the normalization of cruelty amidst political tensions:
“When cruelty becomes normal, compassion looks radical.” – Taylar W.
Critics argue that Trump’s military parade represents a shift away from traditional celebrations towards a more militarized display aimed at solidifying his political base. High stakes and stark divisions handcuff our nation in fear. Though we don’t know what will happen next, as both sides prepare for what may be a historic day, the complex story of jubilation, opposition and struggle continues to change.