Category: US & Canada

Tanks roll through DC as US Army turns 250 — and Trump turns 79 Washington, DC — June 14, 2025Rows of tanks and armoured vehicles thundered through the streets of Washington, DC, on Saturday evening as former President Donald Trump led a military parade marking the 250th anniversary of the US Army — and coincidentally, his 79th birthday. The hour-long display, billed by Trump as an “unforgettable tribute,” drew applause from supporters and sharp criticism from detractors, some of whom viewed it as a troubling show of authoritarian pageantry. “Every other country celebrates their victories. It’s about time America did, too,” Trump said from the National Mall, as light rain fell on a scattered crowd of attendees. Vice President JD Vance acknowledged both the Army and Trump in his introduction: “June 14th is, of course, the birthday of the army. It is, of course, the birthday of the president of the United States… Happy birthday, Mr President.” Cheers and Criticism While the parade featured salutes to American military history, critics questioned the timing and tone — especially the use of active-duty military hardware on civilian streets. “This is dictator behaviour,” said Terry Mahoney, a 55-year-old Marine veteran and protester in Logan Circle. “If you take everything else he’s done — stomping on the Constitution — this parade may just be window dressing.” Roughly 100 protesters gathered across the city, accusing Trump of politicizing the military and mimicking the spectacle of authoritarian regimes. Trump, however, dismissed the concerns and insisted the celebration was overdue: “We’re honouring the brave men and women who fought for this country. That’s what we’re doing tonight.” Political Optics and 2024 Echoes The event comes amid Trump’s ongoing campaign to return to the White House in 2028. Critics argue the blending of personal celebration and military might echoes similar controversial displays during his presidency, including the 2019 “Salute to America” parade. Analysts say the display could deepen partisan divides over the military’s role in public life — and revive debate over democratic norms. Whether viewed as patriotic pageantry or political theatre, Trump’s parade has once again put the spotlight squarely on how — and by whom — American power is displayed.

In a recent ABC News interview marking his 100th day in office, President Donald Trump acknowledged that he “could” facilitate the return of Kilmar Ábrego García, a Maryland resident mistakenly deported to El Salvador. Despite a Supreme Court order mandating the administration to assist in Ábrego García’s return, Trump has not committed to taking action. Ábrego García, who had legal work authorization and no criminal record, was deported in March 2025 due to what the administration later admitted was an “administrative error.” He is currently detained in El Salvador’s high-security prison, CECOT. During the interview, Trump suggested that Ábrego García had gang affiliations, referencing a photo purportedly showing MS-13 tattoos. However, experts have questioned the authenticity of the image, noting it may have been digitally altered. The administration’s refusal to comply with court orders has drawn criticism from lawmakers and human rights advocates, who argue it undermines the rule of law and due process. Senator Chris Van Hollen highlighted that El Salvador’s continued detention of Ábrego García is influenced by U.S. payments under a bilateral agreement. ​ A federal judge previously ordered the Trump administration to provide details on efforts to return Ábrego García, but that order was temporarily halted pending further legal proceedings. ​AP News The case continues to raise concerns about the administration’s immigration policies and adherence to judicial mandates.