"…A majority of Americans believe President Donald Trump’s upcoming military parade in Washington, D.C., is not a good use of government funds, according to an AP-NORC poll published on Thursday."

"…This is his birthday bash, goddammit, and he’s not going to let some pacifists or immigrant-loving protesters upset the party."

"…About 6 in 10 Americans also say that Saturday’s parade is “not a good use” of government money."

"…The parade is not about Trump, they say, but the public seeing the faces of soldiers when so few Americans serve."

"…The military parade has been designated a National Special Security Event — similar to a presidential inauguration or state funeral."

"…Fetishizing its killing instruments, shutting down the capital’s streets for tanks, and threatening protesters with violence is as wrong as it is deeply ignorant."

"…It was a tour of Trump’s darkest horizons – all the bleaker for being leavened with a comical parting serenade."

"…Trump’s heated rhetoric came as he’s left open the possibility of invoking the Insurrection Act, one of the most extreme emergency powers available to the president."

"…The military spectacle has become one of the most controversial and polarizing public displays in the nation’s capital in years."

"…The disconnect between Trump’s stagings of brute force is striking and more than a little worrisome for those who have long thought civilian control of the military would have stopped such a craven choice."

"…The upcoming parade is expected to cost around $45 million, including $16 million in damages to roads after tanks and other heavy vehicles tour the streets of Washington."

"…The event is fertile ground to shore up not just Trump’s domestic base, but also one-time supporters on the fence over the divisive first months of his second term."

"…The potential for a Flag Day firestorm this weekend is growing."

"…The parade falls on Trump’s birthday and is as much a celebration of his birthday and him — at least it’s designed to be — as it is our Army."

"…The event on Saturday marks the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary."

"…Should Trump allow military personnel and armory to descend on the nation's capital for a parade that serves to honor his birthday and, by extension, the Army's 250th anniversary?"

"…The parade features dozens of armored combat vehicles, helicopters, vintage warplanes, thousands of soldiers in uniforms from the Revolutionary War to the present, horses, two mules and a dog."

"…The planned festivities include more than a parade, as the Army event website boasts vendors, kid zones and meet-and-greets with "Army soldiers, NFL players, influencers and celebrities.""

"…This poorly camouflaged study, in contrast, shows us that any self-styled strongman who feels compelled to fill the streets with soldiers and tanks is really just revealing how very weak he really is."

"…The president absolutely supports peaceful protests."

"…The "Grand Military Parade and Celebration," which will feature Army equipment, flyovers and thousands of soldiers in uniforms from the past and the present, caps off a week of programming designed to celebrate the military's enduring legacy."

"…The parade, which will be held on June 14, also coincides with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday."

"…Like many things involving Trump, reactions clash between those who predict a stirring moment of patriotism and those who see it as an alarming echo of authoritarianism."

"…the parade is also going to be expensive, costing taxpayers up to $45 million, according to an Army spokesperson."

"…The Trumpian June 14, 2025 parade and celebration will be the successor to that angry insurrection of January 6, 2021—a celebration of “patriotism” that is deeply anti-democratic, and of a man who is the most authoritarian president in American history."

"…It's outrageous that this is something that would happen in North Korea, not the United States of America."

"…The No Kings Day of Defiance has been organized to reject authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics and the militarization of the country's democracy, according to a press release from No Kings."

"…The military parade commemorating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and coinciding with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday will be a new spectacle for many Americans."

"…The military parade has been designated a National Special Security Event — similar to a presidential inauguration or state funeral."

"…The Army is commemorating its 250th anniversary with a festival and parade in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, June 14, which is also President Trump's 79th birthday."

"…The No Kings Day of Defiance has been organized to reject authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics and the militarization of the country’s democracy, according to a press release from No Kings."

"…Trump’s approach stands out compared to his predecessors."

"…The event will also coincide with the 79th birthday of US President Donald Trump, who says the parade will be "like no other"."

"…Trump’s approach stands out compared to his predecessors."

"…About 6 in 10 Americans also say that Saturday’s parade is “not a good use” of government money."

"…The parade is not about Trump, they say, but the public seeing the faces of soldiers when so few Americans serve."

"…Protests in response to the military parade, and recent ICE raids being conducted in Los Angeles, are expected to unfold in cities nationwide."

"…The escalating skirmishes have also raised the specter of possible disruption during the patriotic parade, though officials stressed this week that they are closely monitoring the event and security in the surrounding area."

"…Instead of allowing this birthday parade to be the center of gravity, we will take action everywhere else the story of America that day: people coming together in communities across the country to reject strongman politics and corruption."

"…Driscoll described two problems with such accusations: how old the military is and how long ago it started planning for this celebration."

"…Despite the enthusiasm for the parade, two Republican senators expressed concerns about its estimated price tag and the imagery it may project."

"…Trump intends to use “heavy force” against anyone protesting his June 14 parade celebrating the Army‘s 250th anniversary."

"…If a 250th anniversary isn’t enough to celebrate an Army as venerable and valorous as ours, we don’t know what is."

"…So happy birthday, Mr. President and the US army. How about another Middle East war?"

"…Although most members of Congress don't stick around Washington, D.C. during the weekends anyway, this coming weekend will feature a sight not seen in nearly four decades."

"…Although most members of Congress don't stick around Washington, D.C. during the weekends anyway, this coming weekend will feature a sight not seen in nearly four decades."

"…Although most members of Congress don't stick around Washington, D.C. during the weekends anyway, this coming weekend will feature a sight not seen in nearly four decades."

"…The Army’s parade is designated as a National Special Security Event, showcasing military history and patriotism worth the investment."

"…Flag Day, which normally passes with little fanfare each June 14, is getting more attention this year—from President Donald Trump, the U.S. Army, and anti-Trump demonstrators."

"…President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he’s expecting a grand military parade in Washington this coming weekend—and warned that any protesters seeking to disrupt it would be met with “very heavy force.”"