Democratic Senator John Fetterman shocked many in his own party on Saturday when he praised the massive military parade held in Washington, D.C., in honor of the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary. While the event was widely criticized by several Democrats as a display of authoritarianism by President Donald Trump, Fetterman took to social media to express a completely different view.
“This parade is comprised of our sons, daughters, mothers, and fathers — the very best of us,” Fetterman wrote online. “Regardless of your politics, it’s appropriate to celebrate the 250 years of sacrifice, dedication and service.”
The parade featured tanks, military vehicles, marching troops, and patriotic chants of “USA! USA!” echoing through the capital. Trump, along with dignitaries and cheering supporters, watched as the spectacle unfolded in a highly choreographed show of strength.
But not everyone in Washington was celebrating. Just a short distance away, thousands gathered for the “No Kings” protest — a nationwide movement organized to reject what critics say is Trump’s obsession with power and spectacle. Protesters held signs comparing Trump to fascist rulers, chanted phrases like “86 47” (a call to remove the 47th president), and clashed with police in some cities. Fetterman himself was reportedly booed and mocked by protesters at one of these demonstrations for not joining them.
Still, the senator’s statement praising the military parade stood in sharp contrast to other Democratic lawmakers. Arizona Rep. Yassamin Ansari slammed the event during an interview with ABC News, saying, “This is something that would happen in North Korea, not the United States. Donald Trump thinks he’s a king. He’s not.”
Tennessee Rep. Steve Cohen had even proposed legislation earlier this year to block the parade, calling it a tribute to Trump’s ego rather than to America’s service members. “The American people don’t pay tribute to him as if he were a king,” Cohen said at the time.
Fetterman’s comments sparked intense debate online, with supporters praising his respect for military service and critics accusing him of endorsing what they believe is a dangerous political spectacle. Some even suggested his stance could widen a growing divide within the Democratic Party between traditional moderates and progressive activists.
As tensions between protesters and Trump loyalists continue to rise nationwide, Fetterman’s praise of the parade may be remembered as one of the more surprising moments of this deeply divided political weekend.
