Washington, D.C., came alive with patriotic fervor as the United States Army marked its 250th anniversary with a grand parade, though not without stirring a storm of controversy.
Breitbart reported that the event, attended by President Donald Trump, celebrated a monumental milestone for the Army while drawing both heartfelt praise from Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) and sharp criticism from progressive activists and lawmakers.
The parade unfolded in the heart of the nation’s capital, showcasing the Army’s storied history of service and sacrifice over two and a half centuries.
President Trump took center stage, personally swearing in a group of new and re-enlisting troops, a gesture meant to honor the backbone of America’s military might.
Amid the celebration, parade-goers were seen reciting the Pledge of Allegiance before a towering American flag near the Washington Monument, a powerful image of unity captured in a video shared by Breitbart News White House Correspondent Nick Gilbertson on X.
Sen. Fetterman, breaking from the often predictable partisan chorus, offered a refreshing take, posting on X, “This parade is comprised of our sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers—the very best of us.”
He doubled down, adding, “Regardless of your politics, it’s appropriate to celebrate the 250 years of sacrifice, dedication, and service.” Now, isn’t that a rare moment of clarity in a polarized age? While progressive critics obsess over political optics, Fetterman reminds us that honoring our military shouldn’t be a partisan football.
Yet, not everyone shared his sentiment, as leftist “No Kings” protests erupted nationwide, targeting Trump’s presence at the parade with a fervor that borders on theatrical.
At one such demonstration, Fetterman faced boos and mockery from the crowd for not joining their cause, a moment reported by Mediaite that underscores how quickly the left turns on its own when dissent from the narrative emerges.
Leading the charge against Trump, Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) didn’t mince words at a “No Kings” rally at Union Station, calling for “more independent-minded journalists who are not going to cave or fold” to the president.
In the same breath, Swalwell boasted, “I’m doing two townhalls a month in Republican districts.” One has to wonder if these townhalls are about listening or just preaching to a choir that isn’t even in the pews—after all, challenging ideas in hostile territory is noble, but only if the goal is dialogue, not division.
He also claimed, “Two thousand rallies today, to say ‘No king in America, no king ever.’” Hyperbole aside, such rhetoric paints a stark contrast to the parade’s unifying spirit, replacing celebration with confrontation and reducing a historic milestone to a political punching bag.
Swalwell’s harsh tone, including a deeply unfortunate comparison of Trump to a historical tyrant, reveals a troubling trend where disagreement morphs into demonization, leaving little room for the kind of bipartisan respect Fetterman championed.
While the “No Kings” protests reflect genuine concerns about concentrated power, their timing and focus risk overshadowing the very real sacrifices of the Army’s 250 years—a legacy that deserves recognition over rage.
Ultimately, the 250th anniversary parade stands as a testament to the enduring strength of America’s military, even as it becomes a lightning rod for deeper cultural divides; perhaps it’s time to salute the service before swinging the ideological sword.