Latest news with #RefuseFascism
Axios
3 days ago
- Politics
- Axios
Trump gets his D.C. military parade, but "No Kings" protests cast shadow
The National Mall transformed into a MAGA-ified carnival for the Army's 250th birthday parade on Saturday, but the show of military might drew a smaller crowd than anticipated. The big picture: 7,000 soldiers, 100+ tanks, cheering tourists and heavy-duty security took over downtown — against the backdrop of anti-President Trump protests nationwide and political violence in Minnesota. Trump sat on a stage of VIPs and watched the multimillion-dollar procession of troops and tanks down Constitution Avenue, followed by a concert and fireworks. "Happy birthday," country singer Lee Greenwood told Trump, who turned 79. The Army Golden Knights parachuted in — one flying a D.C. flag. By the numbers: Attendance for the country's largest military parade in decades didn't appear near the expected 200,000, AP reports. Meanwhile, millions of people joined "No Kings" rallies across America, including across the DMV. Near the White House, several hundred people joined a "Refuse Fascism" rally. "No Kings" organizers told Axios they intentionally avoided rallying in downtown D.C. to "create contrast, not conflict." In Culpeper, Virginia, police say a man intentionally drove into a crowd of protestors. The scene: It didn't rain much on Trump's parade, but the spectacle proved better TV than in-person viewing. It was painfully muggy, with poor sight lines and plenty of waiting around between columns of marching soldiers and tanks. Wearing replica period outfits, Army soldiers commemorated the Revolutionary War and Civil War, before moving into the 20th century. Flyovers included Vietnam-era helicopters. Modern tanks rolled past loudspeakers playing the melody of Van Halen's "Jump." The Washington Monument grounds had a picnic vibe with some families sitting on the grass. Thousands left early to dodge the threat of showers, but early sprinkles and hazy skies eventually became clearer and allowed for a fireworks display. Zoom in: D.C. trash crews moved in shortly after crowds were let out to begin cleaning up. Mayor Muriel Bowser declined to attend, NBC4 reported, instead sending her senior adviser. The latest: Road closures lifted at 6am Monday morning for Independence Avenue and major thoroughfares.
Fox News
6 days ago
- Politics
- Fox News
Trump's military parade honoring Army's founding threatened by protests, thunderstorms
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump's military parade honoring the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary is set to kick off at 6:30 p.m. Saturday in the nation's capital, but the patriotic event also is expected to face protests and gloomy weather. The parade will stretch down Constitution Avenue, beginning near the Lincoln Memorial and concluding near the Washington Monument at about 9:30 p.m. The parade honors the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army — which was established one year before the signing of the Declaration of Independence — and also coincides with Flag Day and Trump's 79th birthday. The patriotic event is part of Trump's "Task Force 250," which was established in January by an executive order and coordinates plans celebrating the 250th anniversary of American independence on July 4, 2026. The parade, however, comes as riots and protests continue in Los Angeles over the Trump administration's immigration efforts to deport millions of illegal aliens who flooded the nation under the Biden administration, and after Israel launched preemptive strikes on Iran Thursday evening. The parade is also slated to face stormy weather, with forecasters predicting thunderstorms Saturday afternoon and rain going into the evening. Protests in response to the military parade, and recent ICE raids being conducted in Los Angeles, are expected to unfold in cities nationwide. In Washington, visitors and locals can expect the Refuse Fascism protest, an "equity march" in downtown D.C., as well as a "Pro-Democracy Picnic" at Fort Reno Park, Fox News Digital found. "No Kings" protesters are anticipated to converge on cities nationwide to protest what they say is Trump leading the nation like a "king," though there will not be a "No Kings" protests in D.C. proper on Saturday. Instead, such protests will be held in neighboring towns and cities, such as in the Virginia cities of Alexandria and Arlington. Trump was asked about the "No Kings" protest during a Thursday bill-signing event at the White House, which sparked Trump to quip he "doesn't feel like a king." "I don't feel like a king," Trump responded. "I have to go through hell to get stuff approved. A king would say, 'I'm not gonna get this.' A king would have never had the California mandate to even be talking. He wouldn't have to call up (Speaker) Mike Johnson and (Senate Majority Leader John) Thune and say, 'Fellas you got to pull this off' and after years we get it done," he said, referring to three resolutions he signed Thursday ending electric vehicle mandates originating in California. "No, no we're not a king. We're not a king at all." Trump previously said that any potential violent protesters targeting the parade will be met with a "very heavy force." "If there's any protest once they come out, they will be met with very big force," Trump told reporters Tuesday. "I haven't even heard about a protest. But people that hate our country … they will be met with very heavy force." The parade has been celebrated by the administration as the "biggest" military parade in U.S. history. "We love our military and take great pride in honoring our warfighters," Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a statement to Fox News in May. "In celebration of 250 years of the U.S. Army, we will throw the biggest and most beautiful military parade in our nation's history." "The president is planning an historic celebration of the Army's 250th birthday that will honor generations of selfless Americans who have risked everything for our freedom," White House Domestic Policy Council Director Vince Haley added in comment to Fox Digital in May, previewing the parade. "Exactly 250 years ago, the first American patriots died for the cause of Independence. We owe our freedom to them and to every solider who has given their life for our nation in the 2½ centuries since." Approximately 6,600 U.S. Army soldiers will participate in the parade. The parade will also include 150 Army vehicles, including the Abrams tank and 50 aircraft, including the Black Hawk. There will also be a flyover and a parachute jump, and historical military re-enactors. The parade comes after Israel launched preemptive strikes on Iran Thursday evening following months of attempted and stalled nuclear negotiations and subsequent heightened concern Iran was advancing its nuclear program. The strikes targeted Iran's nuclear and missile infrastructure, and killed at least four Iranian military leaders. Iran has said the strikes were a "declaration of war." "Two months ago I gave Iran a 60 day ultimatum to "make a deal." They should have done it! Today is day 61. I told them what to do, but they just couldn't get there. Now they have, perhaps, a second chance!" Trump posted to Truth Social on Friday ahead of meeting with his National Security Council to discuss the strikes.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Fearing a crackdown, protesters stick to plans to rally in DC before June 14 Army parade
WASHINGTON – Tanks, armored vehicles and thousands of troops have descended for the massive June 14 Army parade as protest plans for the same day in the nation's capital proceed with caution. President Donald Trump set the tone for the forthcoming conflict in Washington, D.C., and possibly at protests across the country, when he declared on June 10 that protesters would be "met with very big force." "This parade sets a very dangerous and ominous mood," said Andy Zee, organizer of a "Refuse Fascism" march to the White House on the afternoon of June 14 before the Army's parade begins. Speaking in the Oval Office on June 10, Trump said, "If there's any protester wants to come out, they will be met with very big force." "This is people that hate our country," he added. Trump has deployed 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles to crack down on ongoing protests over his administration's widespread deportations. Zee and others preparing to rally against the June 14 military parade say the moment is ripe. "There is no precedent for a situation like this," Zee said, comparing the parade – which falls on both the Army's 250th anniversary and Trump's birthday – to "something that Germany did in the 1930's." "We should make no mistake that this is fascism." Law enforcement officials say they are already laying down 18.5 miles of anti-scale fencing and 17 miles of bike rack concrete barriers in preparation for the parade. They plan to screen everyone entering the National Mall with 175 magnetometers, according to Matt McCool, special agent in charge of the Secret Service's Washington field office. Drones will patrol from overhead. Many are opting to protest anywhere but the nation's capital as part of the "No Kings" protest, organized by Indivisible and other progressive groups. More than 1,700 demonstrations spanning multiple continents are in the works, according to organizers. But others will not be deterred from Washington. Four demonstrations, including "Refuse Fascism," have applied for a "First Amendment" permit for June 14 from the National Park Service as of early June, according to documents shared with USA TODAY. Another, the "National Protest Against Trump and the War Machine, plans to draw up to 20,000 demonstrators to Meridian Hill Park, around 1.5 miles north of the White House. "A military parade celebrating Trump and the Army is an outrageous insult to the American people," the group wrote in its permit application. The protest will take aim at both Trump for "eroding the people's democratic rights, our union rights, vilifying immigrants, gutting social services," as well as the Army – "the biggest cogs in the war machine." Organizers of other planned permits – who say they will demonstrate peacefully – are taking extra security precautions. Marcus Anthony Hunter, who is leading the National Black Justice Collective's "ceremonial walk" around the Reflecting Pool next to the Lincoln Memorial hours before the parade begins, said organizers have thoroughly consulted with security to ensure they stay within the rules. "You can have as many security checks as possible and still run up against things you don't expect," he said. Organizers of the walk originally planned to meet at the Washington Monument, but were deterred when law enforcement released a new security map that made it "not feasible," Hunter said. The group's permit also originally included Freedom Plaza, an open area a block from the White House often used for protests, but chose to relinquish it because a large, staged event would be "a vulnerability," he said. Now, the walk's participants will pass through the security checkpoints mandated to enter the Army festival that will take place on the National Mall ahead of the parade. They've been told participants can bring in African drums and carry signs, but not with a wooden stick, and water, but not in an open cooler, he said. "We are doing it because it's the right thing to do," said Hunter, who is also a University of California, Los Angeles professor of sociology and African American studies, of the walk happening as protests against the Trump administration's deportations continue in his university's hometown. "This environment underscores it even more." More: How did the LA protests begin? A look at the immigration raids that sparked outrage Bree Taylor, founder and executive director of the Trans Unity Coalition, which will hold a rally the day after the parade at the Capitol building, said fear of a crackdown among the community has been "ongoing" since Trump took office and has "escalated a lot" in recent weeks. The Michigan-based group originally applied for a permit to rally on June 14, but later moved its event to the next morning – in part to avoid drawing attention to Trump's birthday. "This isn't about the President at all, actually, this is about our community," she said. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Eyeing LA protests, DC protesters fear crackdown on Army parade day
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Protesters expected to converge on DC, neighboring cities ahead of Trump's military parade
Protesters are anticipated to converge on Washington this weekend in response to President Donald Trump's Flag Day military parade commemorating the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary. "With Trump Sending Troops Into Los Angeles, Rounding Up Tens of Thousands of Immigrants Without Any Due Process, Attacking Democratic Party Officials, and Brutalizing Protesters… Now Is the Time To Take the Political Offensive and Demand: THE TRUMP FASCIST REGIME MUST GO NOW!" a "Refuse Fascism" protest slated for Saturday states on its website. Protests in response to the military parade, and recent ICE raids being conducted in Los Angeles, are expected to unfold in cities nationwide. In Washington, visitors and locals can expect the Refuse Fascism protest, an "Equity March" in downtown D.C., as well as a "Pro-Democracy Picnic" at Fort Reno Park, Fox Digital found. Nationwide, "No Kings" protesters are anticipated to flood cities to protest what they say is Trump leading the nation like a "king," according to its website. Trump Warns Any Potential Protestors At His Military Parade Will Be 'Met With Very Big Force' "They've defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights, and slashed our services," the website promoting the protests states. "The corruption has gone too. far. No thrones. No crowns. No kings." Read On The Fox News App Trump Sends Clear Message Federalizing National Guard For La Riots: This Is Not 2020 A "No Kings" protest is not scheduled specifically for D.C., however. Instead, such protests will be held in neighboring towns and cities, such as in the Virginia cities of Alexandria and Arlington. The group explained on its website that it is intentionally not holding a protest in the nation's capital. "Instead of allowing this birthday parade to be the center of gravity, we will make action everywhere else the story of America that day: people coming together in communities across the country to reject strongman politics and corruption," the website stated. "For that reason, NO KINGS is not hosting an event in Washington, D.C.," it added. "We will instead have a major flagship march and rally in Philadelphia to draw a clear contrast between our people-powered movement and the costly, wasteful, and un-American birthday parade in Washington." Trump was asked about the "No Kings" protest during a Thursday bill-signing event at the White House, which sparked Trump to quip he "doesn't feel like a king." Trump Deployment Of Troops To Quell La Rioters Latest Page In President's Political Playbook "There are several No Kings protests planned across the country on Saturday as well. What are your thoughts on those?" "I don't feel like a king," Trump responded. "I have to go through hell to get stuff approved. A king would say, 'I'm not gonna get this.' A king would have never had the California mandate to even be talking. He wouldn't have to call up (Speaker) Mike Johnson and (Senate Majority Leader John) Thune and say, 'Fellas you got to pull this off' and after years we get it done," he said, referring to three resolutions he signed Thursday ending California electric vehicle mandates. "No, no we're not a king. We're not a king at all." The military parade, which celebrates the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, as well as Flag Day and Trump's 79th birthday, is set to kick off at 6:30 p.m. along Constitution Avenue. The patriotic event comes as anti-ICE riots spiral in Los Angeles, with Trump activating the National Guard to the state, as well as hundreds of Marines this week as the riots continued. Trump has warned that potential violent protesters in Washington, D.C., who target the military parade will face "heavy force." "People that want to protest will be met with big force," Trump said on Tuesday from the White House. "But this is people that hate our country. They will be met with heavy force."Original article source: Protesters expected to converge on DC, neighboring cities ahead of Trump's military parade
Fox News
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Protesters expected to converge on DC, neighboring cities ahead of Trump's military parade
Protesters are anticipated to converge on Washington this weekend in response to President Donald Trump's Flag Day military parade commemorating the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary. "With Trump Sending Troops Into Los Angeles, Rounding Up Tens of Thousands of Immigrants Without Any Due Process, Attacking Democratic Party Officials, and Brutalizing Protesters… Now Is the Time To Take the Political Offensive and Demand: THE TRUMP FASCIST REGIME MUST GO NOW!" a "Refuse Fascism" protest slated for Saturday states on its website. Protests in response to the military parade, and recent ICE raids being conducted in Los Angeles, are expected to unfold in cities nationwide. In Washington, visitors and locals can expect the Refuse Fascism protest, an "Equity March" in downtown D.C., as well as a "Pro-Democracy Picnic" at Fort Reno Park, Fox Digital found. Nationwide, "No Kings" protesters are anticipated to flood cities to protest what they say is Trump leading the nation like a "king," according to its website. "They've defied our courts, deported Americans, disappeared people off the streets, attacked our civil rights, and slashed our services," the website promoting the protests states. "The corruption has gone too. far. No thrones. No crowns. No kings." A "No Kings" protest is not scheduled specifically for D.C., however. Instead, such protests will be held in neighboring towns and cities, such as in the Virginia cities of Alexandria and Arlington. The group explained on its website that it is intentionally not holding a protest in the nation's capital. "Instead of allowing this birthday parade to be the center of gravity, we will make action everywhere else the story of America that day: people coming together in communities across the country to reject strongman politics and corruption," the website stated. "For that reason, NO KINGS is not hosting an event in Washington, D.C.," it added. "We will instead have a major flagship march and rally in Philadelphia to draw a clear contrast between our people-powered movement and the costly, wasteful, and un-American birthday parade in Washington." Trump was asked about the "No Kings" protest during a Thursday bill-signing event at the White House, which sparked Trump to quip he "doesn't feel like a king." "There are several No Kings protests planned across the country on Saturday as well. What are your thoughts on those?" "I don't feel like a king," Trump responded. "I have to go through hell to get stuff approved. A king would say, 'I'm not gonna get this.' A king would have never had the California mandate to even be talking. He wouldn't have to call up (Speaker) Mike Johnson and (Senate Majority Leader John) Thune and say, 'Fellas you got to pull this off' and after years we get it done," he said, referring to three resolutions he signed Thursday ending California electric vehicle mandates. "No, no we're not a king. We're not a king at all." The military parade, which celebrates the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, as well as Flag Day and Trump's 79th birthday, is set to kick off at 6:30 p.m. along Constitution Avenue. The patriotic event comes as anti-ICE riots spiral in Los Angeles, with Trump activating the National Guard to the state, as well as hundreds of Marines this week as the riots continued. Trump has warned that potential violent protesters in Washington, D.C., who target the military parade will face "heavy force." "People that want to protest will be met with big force," Trump said on Tuesday from the White House. "But this is people that hate our country. They will be met with heavy force."
