Trump hails U.S. Army parade amid nationwide "No Kings" protests
發佈日期: 2025-06-15 20:37
TVB News
The grand military parade that U.S. President Donald Trump yearned for barrelled down Constitution Avenue IN Washington, D.C. on Saturday.
The parade took place against the backdrop of nationwide protests decrying Trump as a dictator and would-be king.
Military on the streets of the United States. In a parade in Washington, D.C.
And as deployed guards in Los Angeles.
On Saturday, Americans had a chance to see the U.S. military in all its might in ways that made some proud. And others horrified.
After eight years of pleading, the military parade U.S. President Donald Trump has long sought finally took place on the streets of the nation's capital -- coinciding with his 79th birthday.
Estimated to cost 45 million U.S. dollars, the parade, ostensibly to celebrate the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary, is seen by his critics as a Trump ego trip. The president and the first lady arrived to a 21-gun salute, taking their seats at a special viewing stand south of the White House.
128 tanks, more than 6,000 troops, drones, robot dogs, helicopters, and other military hardware on display amid gloomy skies.
Trump would sometimes stand and salute. He also swore in 250 new recruits and returning soldiers by reciting the Oath of Enlistment before addressing the crowd, which reports say appeared less than the 200,000 expected to attend.
"Because the army keeps us free, you make us strong and tonight you have made all Americans very proud," Trump said in his speech. "Every other country celebrates their victories. It's about time America did too. Time and again, America's enemies have learned that if you threaten the American people, our soldiers are coming for you. Your defeat will be certain, your demise will be final, and your downfall will be total and complete, because our soldiers never give up, never surrender, and never, ever quit. They fight, fight, fight, and they win, win, win."
Around the country, tens of thousands of anti-Trump activists held "No Kings" rallies to protest his immigration raids and deployment of military troops to quell gatherings in Los Angeles.
In Los Angeles, mounted police supported officers as they fired tear gas into crowds. Some protesters took cover.
In Eugene, Oregon, people protested against raids against communities conducted by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.
And near Trump's parade in Washington, crowds gathered to fight against what they see as fascism taking hold in the U.S.
The parade was meant to bring Americans together. But once the fanfare dies down, it has only exposed deeper divisions.
