Almost exactly eight years ago, in June 2017, French President Emmanuel Macron and the newly elected American President, Donald Trump, spoke on the phone. After addressing pressing issues such as relations with the EU and NATO, the European leader invited his counterpart to be the guest of honor at the Bastille Day, which that year commemorated the centenary of the entry of United States into World War I. Trump initially seemed uninterested, but upon hearing about troops marching through the streets of Paris, combat planes drawing flags in the sky, and all kinds of uniforms, horses, and bands in procession, he changed his mind. That was the kind of spectacle he wanted, the one he had dreamed of for his inauguration a few months earlier. He returned from France excited, talking to his team about the need to do something similar. They all managed to dissuade him, convincing him it was a bad idea. Now, however, nothing stands between the Commander in Chief and his desires.
Next Saturday, June 14, Trump turns 79 and has decided to gift himself an immense military parade on the streets of Washington, costing between 25 and 45 million dollars. The excuse is that on that day, the Army also commemorates its 250th anniversary, recalling the decision of the Second Continental Congress in 1775 to create a standing army, with George Washington at the helm, following the recent battles in Lexington and Concord against British troops. If in 2017 more than 1200 people, 211 vehicles, 341 riders, and 63 aircraft enlivened the Champs-Élysées, this Saturday expects 6,600 soldiers, 150 vehicles, and over 50 aircraft on the streets of the American capital.
Under normal circumstances, it would be unusual, as the last parade dates back to 1991, when the Gulf War ended. But perhaps nothing particularly controversial, as a tribute to different eras is expected, with Sherman tanks from World War II, a Renault tank from World War I, eight CH-47 helicopters, 16 UH-60 Black Hawks, and four P-51 aircraft, jewels of World War II. But now, it is very serious.
The Army has been planning the festival for the commemoration for two years, but the idea of the parade was added earlier this year. Military commanders insist that no recognition is expected for the president's birthday, but the constant indirect references, the president's mentions, or the unprecedented images on Tuesday night, with dozens of soldiers from Fort Bragg applauding the president, booing when he mentioned his rivals, celebrating the renaming of forts in memory of Confederate soldiers, and the slogans that anyone who does not align with the White House's vision should leave, have raised alarms.
Trump wants a show of force, a recognition of his role as Commander in Chief with paratroopers presenting him with a folded flag days after he has mobilized and federalized 4,000 National Guard soldiers to be deployed in Los Angeles, against the will of state authorities. After deploying a whole platoon of Marines, over 700, in the area as well. And warning that "any protest in Washington will face "heavy force." Trump wanted to use troops on domestic soil in his first term, and now he has made it clear that he will not hold back.
There is growing concern in the country. Allegations of the authoritarian and illiberal drift of the White House have been constant since January 20. Bypassing Congress and now the states, clashing with and ignoring the courts, detaining and deporting without due process, including the option to do so with American citizens. Targeting universities, law firms. And now, after purging most of the Army positions considered hostile one by one, mobilizing troops to suppress protests, which are gradually spreading from Los Angeles to other cities like New York, Dallas, or Chicago, albeit on a much smaller scale and without violence.
The anti-Trump group known as 'No Kings', "without kings," expects over 1,800 demonstrations nationwide on Saturday, "a peaceful stance against the authoritarian excess and serious abuse of power demonstrated by this Administration," according to the organizers. That is why Trump has fortified Washington. The surroundings of the White House and the mall, the area leading to the Capitol and where the main monuments are located, have been completely fenced off for days, and the buildings are protected or covered. Tens of thousands of personnel are prepared, anticipating a possible hostile climate, as already happened in January when he took office.
The city, overwhelmingly Democratic voters, is completely against the parade. The arrival of trucks and tanks these days has been met with jeers and middle fingers on the street. The Army has placed metal plates to prevent damage to streets and roads, given that heavier equipment, such as M1A1 Abrams tanks, can weigh over 60 tons. If damage occurs, the Army has committed to covering repair costs.
But what generates repulsion is the instrumentalization, not the Army. Republican congressmen are proposing to declare June 14 a national holiday for the president's birthday, which also coincides with Flag Day, adopted in 1777. "No modern president has been more crucial to our country than Donald J. Trump (...) Just as George Washington's birthday is marked as a federal holiday, this bill will add Trump's birthday to this list, recognizing him as the founder of the Golden Age of the United States," the proposal states. "By designating Trump's birthday and Flag Day as a national holiday, we can ensure that President Trump's contributions to American greatness and the importance of the American flag are enshrined forever," the document concludes.
"U.S. Marines serve a valuable purpose for this country — defending democracy. They are not political pawns. The Secretary of Defense is illegally deploying them onto American streets so Trump can have a talking point at his parade this weekend. It's a blatant abuse of power. We will sue to stop this. The Courts and Congress must act. Checks and balances are crumbling. This is a red line — and they're crossing it. WAKE UP!" has denounced California Governor, Gavin Newsom.