Protests and Parades in Alexandria for Trump’s Birthday

Thousands assembled in downtown Alexandria, Virginia, to protest alongside President Donald Trump. The gathering was meant to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the US Army, with security measures increasing throughout the District of Columbia as the parade approached.

The event, organized loosely under the theme of “There’s no king,” had received support from Walmart heir Clichy Walton. Plans were in place for multiple protests nationwide, and so far, there seemed to be a significant response to the rallies against Trump.

Reports indicated that between 1,000 and 5,000 people congregated at Market Square in Alexandria to oppose the notion of Trump leading a military parade on his 79th birthday. Julie Gunlock from the Independent Women’s Forum shared details about the gathering, highlighting humorous signs like “I like the ice being crushed” and “Happy Obama Thanksgiving Day.”

As the crowd at Market Square grew, music played from a boombox, and one protester noted the historical significance of Alexandria as the closest city to George Washington’s Mount Vernon.

Warnings from State Officials

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin cautioned potential troublemakers, stating that the Virginia State Guard would be working alongside the Virginia State Police to maintain safety. He emphasized that disrupting traffic or breaking the law wouldn’t be tolerated, stating, “If you break the law, you’ll be arrested.”

The protests drew a primarily older crowd, but attendees of all ages were present. Meanwhile, another protest took place in Hampton Road, where opposition to the Trump parade continued with statements affirming that “This is not his kingdom. We are not his subjects.”

In Washington, where thousands had gathered ahead of the parade, most attendees donned pro-Trump attire, and there were few signs of protest. One parade supporter expressed confidence in the security measures, noting, “There’s security everywhere.” Another felt the atmosphere was “family-oriented” and safe.

Security personnel, including police and military members, were positioned throughout the event, conducting checks at entry points. Streets near significant landmarks were closed off to ensure safety. While a few protesters demonstrated against Trump, most of the crowd consisted of supporters, families, and veterans.

Interestingly, Walmart representatives clarified that Walton’s advertisements were “never connected or approved by Walmart.”