Trump Threatens Heavy Force Against Protests During Army Parade Celebration

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump made a stark warning regarding the military parade he has planned for June 14, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. Speaking from the Oval Office, he expressed his intention to respond harshly if any protests were to disrupt the event, which he characterized as a significant celebration complete with military tanks and aircraft, a departure from the American tradition of avoiding ostentatious displays of military might.

Trump emphasized that Saturday would be a grand occasion to celebrate America's military history, in contrast to other countries that have historically marked victories with parades. He threatened that any protests would be addressed with "very big force," reiterating his sentiment that dissenters are individuals who "hate our country." This statement reflects his previous inclinations toward confronting protesters with state violence, as has been observable during past events where he viewed protests as challenges to his authority.

During his remarks, Trump recalled incidents of alleged violence during protests in Los Angeles, where he claimed he took decisive action by deploying National Guard troops to maintain order. He signaled that he might use the Insurrection Act, a law from 1807, if he deems any unrest qualifies as an insurrection. Trump expressed dissatisfaction with California Governor Gavin Newsom's handling of the protests, blaming him for exacerbating the situation, and suggested that had he not acted, Los Angeles could have faced severe destruction similar to earlier unrest.