Latest news with #Army250thAnniversaryParade
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First Post
03-07-2025
- Business
- First Post
From shaky to robust, 6 months of Donald Trump's second presidency revive his business fortunes
President Donald Trump has profited from the presidency like no one else in American history as the difference between the personal and the professional has ceased to exist. Nearly two-thirds of his $11 billion net worth has come from cryptocurrency ventures in past six months alone. read more US President Donald Trump (left) and US First Lady Melania Trump (right) applaud as they watch the Army 250th Anniversary Parade from the Ellipse in Washington DC on June 14, 2025. (Photo: Mandel Ngan/AFP) US President Donald Trump's net worth is almost impossible to accurately estimate because of a complex web that money travels through in his sprawling family and business ventures. But one thing is as clear as day: he has profited from the presidency like no one else in American history. Consider this: In 2023, Forbes estimated Trump's net worth to be $2.5 billion. In March 2025, it rose to $5.1 billion and it rose to $5.2 billion by July. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Since 2023, Trump has floated his own cryptocurrency, invested in cryptocurrency ventures, and launched a range of merchandise that brings him and his family money. While Forbes has shown that his net worth more than doubled between late 2023 early 2025 as he first secured the Republican presidential nomination and then won the election, independent analyses have shown that his real net worth would be much more. Trump's total net worth from cryptocurrencies (as much as $7.1 billion), stocks, bonds, and cash (at least $2.2 billion), and real estate and other business holdings (at least $1.3 billion), and fees and royalties (at least $631 million in 2024) is around $11.23 billion, according to The New York Times. No line between personal and the professional The line between the personal and professional has ceased to exist as Trump's children and friends cut deals by using his name and he secures plush deals for himself from foreign governments, such as the luxury aeroplane from Qatar that's essentially a personal gift to him — not to the US government. Trump has also sold seats for private dinners for millions after assuming the office. There are direct conflicts of interest. For example, cryptocurrency industry figures who have attended such dinners by paying him and his family millions have sought deregulation of industry. There are already signs that they are getting their way. One such guest, Chinese billionaire Justin Sun, paid Trump more than $40 million to become one of the largest holders of his $TRUMP cryptocurrency. He was accused by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2023 of fraud, but the case against him has been put on hold under the Trump administration — an apparent instance of a quid pro quo. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Amazon owner Jeff Bezos has announced a film on First Lady Melania Trump that will reportedly pay her as much as $28 million. Trump is also getting a $200 million-worth luxury aeroplane from Qatar. Notably, it is not planned to be a government-to-government deal. The Trump administration plans to donate the aeroplane to the Trump presidential library after the completion of the term which would make it Trump's private property. In simple words, Trump would receive a luxury plane from Qatar as president and then transfer it to him for his personal use as a private citizen. Does public even care about corruption? Trump's brazen use of the presidency for personal enrichment has led many to ask a basic question: does public even care about ethics and corruption? When Hillary Clinton was First Lady, a scandal broke out when it emerged that her investment of $1,000 in 1980s had made her $100,000. Compare that to the money that Melania is making off her husband's name: $28 million. Yet there is barely any outrage. The Trump family is also selling $500,000 membership of a private club in Washington DC, but, again there is barely any outrage. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Either the general public never cared about this or the public did care about it but no longer does, according to Paul Rosenzweig, a senior counsel to Ken Starr's investigation of former President Bill Clinton, and later served in the George W Bush administration. Rosenzweig told The Times that he believes the answer is that '80 per cent, the public never cared' and '20 per cent, we are overwhelmed and exhausted'. 'Outrage hasn't died. It was always just a figment of elite imagination,' said Rosenzweig. As Trump has two other co-equal branches of the government in his pocket as well, the Congress and the Judiciary, there is little scope of his and his family's profiteering facing any scrutiny. Some Democrats are hopeful they could generate public backlash. 'It is unlikely he is going to be held accountable through traditional means. There are going to be no special counsels; there's going to be no DOJ [Department of Justice] action. And so it's really just about public mobilization and politics. If Republicans keep paying a price for the corruption by losing special elections throughout the next year, maybe that causes them to rethink their complicity,' Senate Chris Murphy told The Times. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
New York Post
15-06-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Nearly 1 million illegal immigrants have ‘self deported' under Trump, which has led to higher wages
While ICE arrests and deportations have grabbed headlines, President Trump is also running a separate but complementary 'mass deportation' program — one that encourages aliens here unlawfully to go home voluntarily. And if reports are correct, that plan is more successful than anyone could have imagined. Based on government data, my organization, the Center for Immigration Studies, has conservatively estimated there are about 15.4 million illegal aliens in the United States, an 50% increase over the four tumultuous years of the Biden administration. 3 Members of the Texas National Guard turn away migrants after they crawled through the concertina wire after crossing the U.S.-Mexico Border at the Rio Grande river on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 in El Paso, Texas. NYPJ That's no surprise, given how Biden and his Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas ignored congressional detention mandates and ushered millions of illegal migrants into the United States. Trump rode a wave of concerns about the costs those migrants are imposing on schools, hospitals, housing, and essential government services in cities and towns across the United States to a second term. Now that he's back in the Oval Office, it's up to him, 'border czar' Tom Homan, and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to drive the unauthorized population down and restore credibility to our immigration system. They've implemented a two-track plan to tackle this onerous task. One of those tracks relies on arrests and deportations of aliens unlawfully here, which at the outset has focused mainly on criminals (the 'worst first' strategy). 3 US President Donald Trump stands and salutes during the Army 250th Anniversary Parade from the Ellipse in Washington, DC on June 14, 2025. AFP via Getty Images The other track is more subtle but also cheaper for taxpayers and arguably much more effective —encouraging illegal migrants here to self-deport. It began with an Inauguration Day Trump directive requiring DHS to ensure all aliens present in the United States — legal and otherwise — have registered with the federal government, and to prosecute those who don't comply. By late February, Noem had implemented that registration program. DHS next launched a multi-million-dollar ad campaign warning migrants not to enter illegally or, alternatively, to leave voluntarily now and possibly 'have an opportunity to return and enjoy our freedom and live the American Dream.' Noem also rebranded the notorious CBP One app — which the Biden administration used to funnel hundreds of thousands of illegal migrants into our country — as 'CBP Home,' which aliens can use to 'notify the U.S. Government of their intent to depart'. That rebranding coincided with an offer of financial incentives for aliens who leave voluntarily, a stipend of $1,000. That's in lieu of costly physical deportation, which can cost taxpayers $17,100 per person on average. How effective has self-deportation been? 3 Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is sworn-in before the House Committee on Homeland Security during a hearing on 'A Review of the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Request for the Department of Homeland Security' on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, April 16, 2024. AP One way to track the program is by checking employment numbers. One financial wiz cited by the Wall Street Journal calculated a decline in the immigrant population of 773,000 in the first four months of Trump II. The Washington Post claims 'a million foreign-born workers have exited the workforce since March.' The Post frames this as 'a sign of the weakening labor supply.' Yet the paper also notes, 'Average hourly wages accelerated, rising by 0.4 percent over the month, to $36.24 in May, as earnings continue to beat inflation in a boost to workers' spending power.' In other words, with fewer illegal immigrants, businesses had to raise wages to attract workers. But aliens will only leave if they believe Trump and Homan are serious about arrests, and employers know the feds are targeting shady businesses. This voluntary exodus shouldn't be surprising. When President Eisenhower launched his deportation round-up in 1954, nearly 10 aliens left voluntarily for each one arrested. A post-9/11 registration program also drove self-deportations. DHS can't arrest and deport 15.4 million illegal aliens, but if it simply enforces the law, many aliens will get the message and leave on their own — as hundreds of thousands apparently already have. Andrew Arthur is the fellow in law and policy at the Center for Immigration Studies.
Borneo Post
15-06-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Trump flexes military might at parade as protests sweep US
US President Donald Trump administers the Oath of Enlistment to soldiers who are enlisting or reenlisting during the Army 250th Anniversary Parade in Washington, DC on June 14, 2025. – AFP photo WASHINGTON (June 15): President Donald Trump hosted the largest US military parade in decades on his 79th birthday as protesters rallied across the country to accuse him of acting like a dictator. Trump hailed the United States as the 'hottest country in the world' after watching tanks, aircraft and troops file past him in Washington on Saturday to honor the 250th anniversary of the US army. It formed a stark split screen with turmoil at home and abroad, as police used teargas to disperse protesters in Los Angeles and US ally Israel traded missile fire with Iran in a rapidly escalating conflict in the Middle East. Trump's parade on an overcast night in Washington came after hundreds of thousands of 'No Kings' demonstrators thronged the streets in cities including New York, Philadelphia, Houston and Atlanta. The Republican largely avoided his usual domestic political diatribes in an unusually brief speech and instead focused on praising the US army, saying that they 'fight, fight, fight, and they win, win, win.' The display of military might comes as Trump asserts his power domestically and on the international stage. Trump used his parade address to send a warning to Washington's adversaries of 'total and complete' defeat, with the United States increasingly at risk of entanglement in Israel's conflict with Iran. 'Time and again, America's enemies have learned that if you threaten the American people, our soldiers are coming for you,' Trump said. – 'Happy Birthday' – Trump had openly dreamed since his first term as president of having a grand military parade of the type more often seen in Moscow or Pyongyang. The last such parade in the United States was at the end of the Gulf War in 1991. Trump stood and saluted on a stage outside the White House as tanks rumbled past, aircraft roared overhead and nearly 7,000 troops marched by. Troops and military hardware from different eras passed by, with an announcer reeling off US victories in battles with Japanese, German, Chinese and Vietnamese forces in past wars. The army said the parade cost up to $45 million. The crowd sang 'Happy Birthday' and there were occasional chants of 'USA! USA!' but the atmosphere was less intense than one of the barnstorming rallies that swept Trump to power. The White House said that 'over 250,000 patriots showed up' for the event, without providing evidence. Communications Director Steven Cheung described the 'No Kings' protests as a 'complete and utter failure.' 'No Kings' organizers said protesters gathered in hundreds of places, with AFP journalists seeing large crowds in several cities. Organizers said they were protesting against Trump's dictatorial overreach, particularly what they described as the strongman symbolism of the parade. 'I think people are mad as hell,' Lindsay Ross, a 28-year-old musician, told AFP in New York, where tens of thousands of people rallied. Some protesters targeted Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, while a small group even gathered in Paris. – 'Display of authoritarianism' – 'I think it's disgusting,' protester Sarah Hargrave, 42, said in the Washington suburb of Bethesda, describing Trump's parade as a 'display of authoritarianism.' Thousands turned out in Los Angeles to protest against Trump's deployment of troops in the country's second-largest city following clashes sparked by immigration raids. 'He's trying to bully Los Angeles into complying with everything that he's trying to do, and we're not going to do that. We're a city of immigrants,' a protester who gave his name as Armando told AFP. After a day of largely peaceful protests, police unexpectedly began moving people away from the LA protest area, igniting confusion and anger among demonstrators caught off guard and unsure of where to go. Police on horseback pushed crowds back as law enforcement fired tear gas and flash-bang grenades hours ahead of an 8:00 pm (0300 GMT) curfew. Police officials said a 'small group of agitators' had begun throwing rocks, bottles and fireworks at officers, prompting the decision to deploy tear gas and order the crowd to disperse. Violence shattered the calm elsewhere, with a shooting at a 'No Kings' demonstration in the western US city of Salt Lake City. At least one person was critically injured and three people were taken into custody, police said. The killing of a Democratic lawmaker and her husband in the northern state of Minnesota on Saturday, in what the governor called a targeted attack, also cast a pall over the parade. Trump was quick to condemn the attacks outside Minneapolis in which former state speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed, while another state lawmaker and his wife were hospitalized with gunshot wounds. – AFP donald trump military parade Protests united states
Newsweek
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Army's 250th Anniversary Parade in Pictures
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. President Donald Trump presided over a sweeping military parade in the nation's capital Saturday evening to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, with tanks, troops, and air displays unfolding under a looming threat of thunderstorms and amid major protests across the country. The parade, which began 30 minutes early due to the weather forecast, was held along Constitution Avenue and featured approximately 6,600 soldiers, 84 military vehicles including 28 M1 Abrams tanks, and more than 60 aircraft overhead. Why It Matters Saturday's military parade was the first in Washington since about 8,000 troops marched through the capital in 1991 to mark the victory of an American-led coalition over Saddam Hussein's Iraq in the Gulf War. The event has also sparked controversy, with supporters arguing it will boost recruitment for the U.S. military, while critics point to the cost and Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky warns it could look like "images you saw of the Soviet Union and North Korea." President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth attend a military parade commemorating the Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with his 79th birthday, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington. President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth attend a military parade commemorating the Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with his 79th birthday, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington. AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson What To Know The event coincided with Trump's 79th birthday and was timed to project strength and tradition on Flag Day. "How great our country is, very simple, and how strong our military is," Trump said when asked what he hoped people would take away from the event. "We have the strongest military in the world." US President Donald Trump (3L) and US First Lady Melania Trump attend the Army 250th Anniversary Parade in Washington, DC, on June 14, 2025. Trump's long-held dream of a parade will come true as nearly... US President Donald Trump (3L) and US First Lady Melania Trump attend the Army 250th Anniversary Parade in Washington, DC, on June 14, 2025. Trump's long-held dream of a parade will come true as nearly 7,000 troops plus dozens of tanks and helicopters rumble through the capital in an event officially marking the 250th anniversary of the US army. More Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images Crowds gathered on both sides of the barricaded avenue, many waving flags and dressed in patriotic colors, while others came simply to watch the rare full-scale military procession unfold through the capital's historic core. People watch the Army 250th Anniversary Parade in Washington, DC on June 14, 2025. Trump's long-held dream of a parade will come true as nearly 7,000 troops plus dozens of tanks and helicopters rumble through... People watch the Army 250th Anniversary Parade in Washington, DC on June 14, 2025. Trump's long-held dream of a parade will come true as nearly 7,000 troops plus dozens of tanks and helicopters rumble through the capital in an event officially marking the 250th anniversary of the US army. More Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images Rain began falling before the parade started. Trump left the White House nearly 45 minutes early to beat the weather and was greeted by chants of "USA! USA!" as he arrived at the reviewing stand with First Lady Melania Trump. The National Anthem is performed as President Donald Trump attends a military parade commemorating the Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with his 79th birthday, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington. The National Anthem is performed as President Donald Trump attends a military parade commemorating the Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with his 79th birthday, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington. AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson The president beamed as he took the stage. He stood and clapped as the National Anthem was performed and the U.S. Army Band and the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps were introduced. The parade started slightly ahead of schedule. Rain continued to fall intermittently, but lightning held off, allowing the event to proceed. Heavy armor led the way, including M1 Abrams tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles. The roar of engines echoed across the Potomac as units crossed the Arlington Memorial Bridge into Washington. A tank rolls past during the Army 250th Anniversary Parade in Washington, DC, on June 14, 2025. Trump's long-held dream of a parade will come true as nearly 7,000 troops plus dozens of tanks and... A tank rolls past during the Army 250th Anniversary Parade in Washington, DC, on June 14, 2025. Trump's long-held dream of a parade will come true as nearly 7,000 troops plus dozens of tanks and helicopters rumble through the capital in an event officially marking the 250th anniversary of the US army. More Photo by ANNABELLE GORDON / AFP) (Photo by ANNABELLE GORDON/AFP via Getty Images Military units began arriving, kicking off the parade with Revolutionary War reenactors and period-dressed soldiers from World War I. The 82nd Airborne Division, which dates to 1917, led that section. Nicknamed the "All-Americans," it was originally composed of troops from all 48 states. Soldiers dressed in Revolutionary War uniforms march at the start of the military parade on June 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. The U.S. Army is marking its 250th anniversary with a military parade along Constitution... Soldiers dressed in Revolutionary War uniforms march at the start of the military parade on June 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. The U.S. Army is marking its 250th anniversary with a military parade along Constitution Avenue that includes roughly 6,600 troops, 150 vehicles, and over 50 aircraft. The parade, which coincides with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday, is designed to tell the history of the Army. More Photo byRevolutionary War-era soldiers marched first, followed by Civil War reenactors and troops from World War I and World War II. Sherman tanks and WW II Jeeps rolled past Constitution Avenue. Six restored Jeeps and dozens of troops in 1940s garb highlighted the Army's role in the Allied victory. U.S Army vehicles from various eras cross the Arlington Memorial Bridge during the parade down Constitution Avenue marking the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army June 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. The U.S. Army is... U.S Army vehicles from various eras cross the Arlington Memorial Bridge during the parade down Constitution Avenue marking the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army June 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. The U.S. Army is marking its 250th birthday with a military parade including roughly 6,600 troops, 150 vehicles, and over 50 aircraft. The parade, which coincides with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday, is designed to tell the history of the Army. More Photo byTrump stood to salute passing troops, often returning their gestures. Though seated much of the time, he repeatedly rose to acknowledge marching units. Soldiers dressed in World War I uniforms march in the military parade on June 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. The U.S. Army is marking its 250th anniversary with a military parade along Constitution Avenue that... Soldiers dressed in World War I uniforms march in the military parade on June 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. The U.S. Army is marking its 250th anniversary with a military parade along Constitution Avenue that includes roughly 6,600 troops, 150 vehicles, and over 50 aircraft. The parade, which coincides with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday, is designed to tell the history of the Army. More Photo bySoon after, WWII-era aircraft flew overhead. These included P-51 Mustangs, B-25 Mitchell bombers, and a C-47 Skytrain — all planes integral to the U.S. air campaign during the war. Their flyover coincided with the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions on the ground. President Donald Trump attends a military parade commemorating the Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with his 79th birthday, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington. President Donald Trump attends a military parade commemorating the Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with his 79th birthday, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington. AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson Vietnam-era helicopters buzzed the parade route in tribute to the "Helicopter War." The Huey, Cobra, and Loach were among those that soared over the capital. Soldiers from the Army 82nd Airborne Division, dressed in World War I era uniforms, march past the reviewing stand and President Donald Trump during a military parade commemorating the Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with his... Soldiers from the Army 82nd Airborne Division, dressed in World War I era uniforms, march past the reviewing stand and President Donald Trump during a military parade commemorating the Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with his 79th birthday, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington. More AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson As the armored columns passed, the U.S. Army's Golden Knights parachute team glided toward the Ellipse, trailing red smoke. Their appearance was moved up because of the weather. Members of the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights make their landing during an event to honor the Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington. Members of the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights make their landing during an event to honor the Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Washington. AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein Trump then administered the oath of enlistment to 250 new and reenlisting soldiers as the crowd looked on. Vendors outside sold Army memorabilia and Trump-themed merchandise, including MAGA hats and novelty dolls. Inside the festival area, celebrity chefs Robert Irvine and Andre Rush mingled with troops. Though protests were reported in other parts of Washington and across the country, the parade route remained tightly secured. The National Mall was heavily policed, and streets were reinforced to handle the 60-ton tanks. What People Are Saying U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, speaking before the House Armed Services Committee: "I believe very specifically that telling that story will directly lead to a recruiting boom that will fill up our pipeline for the coming years." Senator Bernie Sanders, on X, formerly Twitter: "We all like to enjoy a nice birthday party. But most of us don't celebrate with a $45 million taxpayer-funded military parade. What Happens Next The parade, according to senior defense officials, is estimated to have cost between $25 million and $45 million — a figure that includes logistics, security, transportation of heavy equipment, and air operations. That total makes it one of the most expensive single-day ceremonial military events in U.S. history.
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First Post
14-06-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Washington on high alert: What residents and visitors need to know about parade-day security
As Washington showcases military strength and presidential pomp, a sharply divided nation watches on—some in celebration, many in protest. With security stretched across the capital and tension in the air, the day stands as a potent symbol of America's current crossroads. read more Members of the US Army gather next to an US Army AH-64 Apache helicopter on display on the National Mall during the Army 250th Anniversary Parade in Washington, DC on June 14, 2025. Image- AFP Washington D.C. is under a tight security blanket this Saturday as President Donald Trump prepares to preside over a massive military parade marking his 79th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the US Army. The high-profile event comes amid rising political tensions, forecasts of severe weather and nationwide protests rejecting what critics call Trump's authoritarian tendencies. The city is bracing for possible disruptions—not only from expected thunderstorms but also from the volatile geopolitical backdrop, including ongoing US military involvement in the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. Trump has called it a 'big day for America' on his social media platform, Truth Social. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Security operation scaled up In what is considered one of the largest security deployments in recent years, thousands of law enforcement officers from across the country have been called in to secure the event. The Secret Service has mobilised land, air and water units to oversee all aspects of the day. Matt McCool, special agent in charge of the Secret Service's Washington Field Office, told ABC News that planning began on April 23. 'We've been working diligently, around the clock, to get this plan ready,' he said, noting that events of this scale typically take six months to a year of preparation. Parade details: Military might on full display The rare military spectacle, unprecedented since the 1991 Gulf War victory parade, will see nearly 7,000 troops, 150 military vehicles including 28 M1 Abrams tanks, and more than 50 helicopters participate. Apache gunships and Black Hawks are among the aircraft expected to fly over the city. The route will take parade units past iconic landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, ending near the White House. Soldiers in period uniforms will represent every era of US military history. The day will conclude with a dramatic parachute drop by the US Army's Golden Knights, who will present Trump with an American flag in honour of Flag Day. Weather warnings loom However, the parade faces a different kind of threat—thunderstorms forecast for the day. The US Army said Friday that it is monitoring the weather closely, but 'at this point nothing has changed.' Trump, undeterred, wrote on Truth Social: 'Our great military parade is on, rain or shine. Remember, a rainy-day parade brings good luck. I'll see you all in DC.' Nationwide backlash: 'No Kings' protests gain momentum As Trump celebrates with military fanfare in the capital, millions are expected to rally in over 1,500 cities across the country under the banner of the 'No Kings' movement. Organisers describe the demonstrations as a rejection of 'authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics, and the militarisation of our democracy.' Though no formal rally is scheduled in Washington itself, intentionally to avoid clashes and to focus attention on local protests, mass mobilisations are expected in cities including New York, Houston, Philadelphia, Seattle, Atlanta and Trump's residence in Palm Beach, Florida. Even Paris has seen a small demonstration. In Los Angeles, where tensions are already high following federal immigration raids and the deployment of troops without state consent, 25,000 protesters are expected. Organisers say massive balloons depicting Trump in a diaper and dressed in Russian military garb will take centre stage. Divided opinions and political fallout Critics have condemned the taxpayer-funded event as a vanity project. California Governor Gavin Newsom called it a 'vulgar display of weakness,' likening the celebration to the military parades seen in North Korea. 'To fete the Dear Leader on his birthday? What an embarrassment,' he said on Thursday. 'No Kings' organisers echoed that sentiment, calling the parade 'a self-aggrandising spectacle' staged while Americans are told there's no money for basic public needs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A new NBC News poll released Saturday found that 64% of Americans oppose using government funds for the military parade.
