Veterans rushed the steps of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., during a protest against President Donald Trump and the upcoming parade celebrating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, prompting local authorities to arrest several people.
Why It Matters
Trump has planned for a parade commemorating the Army’s anniversary, which will take place on Flag Day and coincides with Trump’s 79th birthday.
Plans for the parade called for around 6,600 soldiers, at least 150 vehicles and 50 helicopters to follow a route from Arlington, Virginia, to the National Mall, according to documents obtained by the Associated Press. This will carry an estimated cost of around $45 million.
This follows staffing cuts to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as part of the Trump administration’s mission to slash what it deems waste, fraud and abuse in federal government spending.
What To Know
The U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) told Newsweek in an email statement that around 75 people attended the protest outside the Supreme Court, where demonstrators initially gathered.
However, 60 of those protesters soon broke off and tried to force their way onto the steps of the Capitol, pushing through a police perimeter and bike rack, at which point USCP officers started to detain individuals.
“USCP arrested approximately 60 demonstrators,” the statement read. “All will be charged with unlawful demonstration and crossing a police line. Additional charges for some will include assault on a police officer and resisting arrest.”
The protesters wore army fatigues over shirts that read “Veterans Against Fascism,” and they carried signs with slogans saying such things as “Veterans Say Military Off Our Streets” and “Money For People, Not Parades.”
Fox News Senior Congressional Correspondent Chad Pergram in a post to X, formerly Twitter, reported that two of the people arrested were taken to the hospital for “further treatment.”
Progressive political action committee VoteVets over the Memorial Day weekend posted a message of heavy criticism against Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency.
“Gutting VA will result in delayed appointments and substandard care, leading directly to more veteran deaths. In fact, as reports and internal documents now prove, Elon Musk’s wrecking ball is causing systems to fail, putting veterans at risk,” Kayla Williams, Iraq War veteran and senior policy adviser at VoteVets, wrote in a post on X.
“It’s a slap in the face to all who have worn the uniform in defense of our nation,” Williams added.
The veterans’ protest on Friday is merely a taste of what Trump might expect over the weekend: Another veterans group, Refuse Fascism, plans to lead a protest on Saturday, citing a need to take a stand “against the misuse of the military by President Donald Trump,” according to WUSA 9.
Protest group 50501 (50 protests, 50 states, one movement) has urged members and supporters to reserve free tickets to the parade and then not attend in an effort to create a sparse crowd and lackluster display.
What Happens Next
The parade is set for Saturday, but the forecast from the National Weather Service has predicted a 60 percent chance of rain, with a thunderstorm possible after 2 p.m.
“While it doesn’t look like a washout, a few thunderstorms can be around especially during the middle to late afternoon hours,” AccuWeather meteorologist Alex DaSilva previously told Newsweek.
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