Washington, D.C
Military parade and No Kings protests: a split-screen of a divided America
Members of the U.S. Army drive a Stryker infantry carrier vehicle during Saturday’s 250th birthday parade in Washington, D.C.
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WASHINGTON, D.C., and ANNAPOLIS, Md. — There are events that become a Rorschach test that brings out America’s political and cultural divisions in bold relief. Saturday’s military parade — which celebrated the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and also fell on President Trump’s birthday — was that kind of moment.
As the Trump administration geared up for the parade filled with tanks and armored personnel carriers rolling through the nation’s capital, people in dozens of cities across the country protested the event as a politicization of the armed forces by a would-be autocrat.
The protests were called No Kings.
The 33-mile trip from one protest in Annapolis to the parade grandstand in front of the White House was like a journey between two different countries.
The crowds in Annapolis gathered in front of the colonial, red-brick Maryland State House around mid-morning. The people who came were largely white, and they held signs reading: “RESISTING THE CROWN SINCE 1776,” and “I’M A VETERAN, NOT A SUCKER OR A LOSER,” a reference to comments attributed to Trump disparaging American war-dead, which Trump has called “a total lie.”
John Wells, a retired economist statistician with the federal government, called the miltary parade outrageous. “We’re not in Russia or North Korea … or China,” he said. “That’s the thing they do. We don’t do that.”
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John Wells, a 76-year-old retired economist statistician with the federal government, said he supported the U.S. army, but couldn’t stand the parade.
“It’s outrageous. We’re not in Russia or North Korea … or China. That’s the thing they do. It’s also costing a lot of money and people’s resources,” Wells said of the price tag for the D.C. parade and surrounding events, estimated at $25 million to $45 million.
Speakers in Annapolis included labor union representatives, the leader of an immigrant advocacy group and a George Washington reenactor who wore a white wig and a blue waistcoat. Randy Goldberg, a 75-year-old retired nurse, played America’s first president and delivered the speech Washington gave when he relinquished his military command there in 1783.
“I retire from the great theater of action and bidding an affectionate farewell to this august body under whose orders I have so long acted, I hereby offer my commission and leave all the employments of public life,” Goldberg said, channeling Washington as the crowd broke into applause.
The centerpiece of the No Kings protest in Annapolis, Md., was a George Washington reenactor named Randy Goldberg, who delivered the speech Washington gave when he relinquished his command there in 1783. Protestors contrasted Washington’s voluntary decision to give up miltary power with what they saw as an autocratic-style military parade on the National Mall.
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The protesters’ point was that Washington voluntarily gave up military power, while they say Trump was trying to accrue more by holding the parade on the National Mall with countless tons of military hardware.
Trump dismissed such criticism Saturday.
“Every other country celebrates their victories,” Trump told the crowd in D.C. “It’s about time that America did, too.”
In fact, this was not a victory celebration, but a birthday party for the Army. The last time the U.S. held a similar parade was after the First Gulf War, in 1991.
Trump has attacked the patriotism of his critics and of journalists he doesn’t like, saying, “They hate our country.” Anticipating such an attack, speakers in Annapolis said protest is an act of patriotism, especially when the target is a president they say is trampling America’s system of checks and balances.
“We have to own the flag. No one can tell us that we’re not patriots,” said Donna Edwards, president of the Maryland & DC AFL-CIO, who addressed the Annapolis crowd wearing an American flag dress. “No one should say that because we’re here, we hate America. We’re fighting for America.“
About 45 minutes to the west, many who attended the Army celebration also wore flag T-shirts, hats and shorts. The crowd was diverse and included military families whose members had immigrated to the U.S. from around the world, including Ecuador, El Salvador and Vietnam.
Julianna Balogh (left) and Kim Nguyen are President Trump superfans who traveled from Arkansas and California, respectively, to attend the military parade. Nguyen says her father served with the U.S. Army in South Vietnam and that she came to the U.S. in 1991.
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The event in the nation’s capital seemed at times like a cross between a military festival and an Army recruiting video. People lounged on the grass in the shadow of the Washington Monument. Amid the strains of Van Halen over the loudspeakers, tank drivers pumped their fists and revved their engines as they drove past cheering crowds down Constitution Avenue. Along the way, the announcer thanked the various corporate sponsors, including Lockheed Martin and Palantir, the data-mining firm that has a $30 million contract to help Immigration and Customs and Enforcement track migrants in the U.S.
The staging seemed designed to enhance the muscular image Trump likes to project. A pair of tanks sat in front of the grandstand from which the president watched. After his speech, Trump was presented with a traditionally folded U.S. flag — a gift usually reserved for the family members of fallen soldiers.
Some who attended the event — including a few who said they did not vote for Trump — dismissed criticism that the parade had authoritarian overtones.
“I think they’ve got this whole cloud over their head that Trump’s this dictator when he’s acting completely [within] the law,” said Dennis Connelly, 19, who wore baggy American flag pants and had flown in from Knoxville, Tenn., for the event.
Dennis Connelly, 19, of Knoxville, Tenn., flew for the first time in his life to Washington, D.C., to see the parade. Connelly wants to join the Marines and said the combination of the parade and the president’s birthday was too good to miss.
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The president, too, took issue ahead of the parade with being described as a king. “I don’t feel like a king,” Trump said in advance of the parade. “I have to go through hell to get things approved.”
His administration’s actions have been mired in hundreds of lawsuits — and the courts have frequently blocked them from being implemented.
Connelly says he hopes to enlist in the Marines and serve in counterintelligence. While No Kings protesters criticized Trump for busting norms, Connelly sees that as a good thing.
“He’s powerful, and he’s kind of like those high school bullies. … And I just think that’s wonderful,” said Connelly. “We have to have a powerful president who’s willing to push some boundaries.”
Although Connelly is a fan of Trump’s, he has doubts about some of the president’s policies. He says allowing ICE agents to wear masks provides people the opportunity to impersonate them and commit crimes. He also says he doesn’t think Trump has a complete understanding of tariffs.
“I think he’s assuming that these companies are willing to pay them and not going to manipulate the public … and add that on to [the] consumer price,” said Connelly, who took his first airplane flight ever to come here.
The parade attracted many Trump voters, who gave the president a warm round of applause when he was introduced. A smattering sported MAGA gear. But most people with whom NPR spoke said they were there to celebrate the Army and see the tanks.
Well before the parade’s end, thousands began heading out. As they exited onto Constitution Avenue, they were met by No Kings protesters.
“Trump is a Tyrant,” read one sign. The parade-goers with whom an NPR reporter was walking made their way past the protesters and headed toward the Metro trains.
America’s split-screen day had finally merged into a collective image of a divided people half block from the White House, many unable or unwilling to talk to one another.
Washington, D.C
How Maryland is Tackling Traffic Delays and Enhancing Travel to Washington D.C. Through Key Infrastructure Upgrades, Here is All You Need to Know – Travel And Tour World
Published on
December 14, 2025
Traffic delays in D.C. have long been a challenge for both residents and visitors. In Maryland, addressing these issues has become a top priority, with major projects aimed at easing the notorious Beltway congestion. Among the most crucial initiatives are the reconstruction of the American Legion Memorial Bridge and the Francis Scott Key Bridge. These key infrastructure upgrades are essential not only for reducing traffic delays but also for improving access to Washington D.C.’s famous attractions. With millions of tourists visiting the nation’s capital every year, these projects aim to enhance the flow of traffic, ensuring a smoother travel experience for all. By tackling congestion head-on, Maryland is making significant strides in boosting Washington D.C. tourism. The ongoing improvements promise to make visiting the capital more convenient and enjoyable, benefiting both locals and travelers alike.
Maryland’s Focus on Infrastructure Upgrades
One of the most pressing issues currently being tackled by Maryland officials is the ongoing traffic delays in D.C. caused by outdated and overcrowded bridges. The Francis Scott Key Bridge, in particular, has seen its estimated costs balloon as the need for reconstruction becomes more urgent. The Maryland Department of Transportation has faced increasing pressure to ensure the timely and efficient completion of this project, which is expected to be fully funded by taxpayers.
In September 2025, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy raised concerns regarding the proposed budget and timeline for the FSK Bridge replacement. This project, aimed at addressing significant traffic bottlenecks, is crucial to improving the daily commute for both locals and visitors heading into Washington D.C. for business, leisure, or cultural experiences.
Addressing Congestion on the American Legion Memorial Bridge
Another key project under discussion is the American Legion Memorial Bridge, which connects Maryland to Virginia along the I-495 Beltway. This bridge is notorious for heavy congestion, contributing significantly to the broader traffic delays in D.C. In 2025, Washington, D.C. was rated the worst city in the nation for traffic, with an average delay of more than six hours. As part of efforts to alleviate this problem, Secretary Duffy and Maryland Governor Wes Moore are exploring ways to accelerate the reconstruction of the American Legion Memorial Bridge.
A major focus of this initiative is the public’s input on how best to alleviate congestion in the I-495/I-270 corridor. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has recently released a Request for Information (RFI) to gather feedback on potential solutions. The aim is to develop a multi-state plan to address the congestion that affects both Maryland and Virginia, directly benefiting travelers heading into Washington D.C. This effort is seen as vital for improving the overall travel experience in the region, particularly for tourists navigating the Beltway.
Improving Access for Washington D.C. Tourists
Tourism in Washington D.C. is a significant economic driver for the region. Each year, millions of tourists flock to the nation’s capital to visit iconic landmarks such as the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial and the Smithsonian museums. However, these visitors often face traffic delays that hinder their ability to enjoy their trip. The ongoing congestion on the I-495 Beltway and critical bridges like the American Legion Memorial Bridge and the Francis Scott Key Bridge directly impact the ease with which tourists can access these sites.
Improving these key transportation routes will not only benefit local commuters but also enhance the tourism experience in Washington D.C. Faster and more efficient access to the city’s major attractions can encourage more visitors, boosting local tourism revenue and supporting the area’s hospitality sector. By addressing Beltway congestion and modernizing key infrastructure, Maryland is taking a proactive approach to ensuring that tourists spend less time stuck in traffic and more time exploring the capital’s many cultural and historical offerings.
The Role of the Capital Beltway Accord
Maryland’s commitment to improving transportation in the region is also evident in its collaboration with Virginia through the “Capital Beltway Accord.” In 2019, Maryland and Virginia announced a bipartisan agreement to build express lanes on the Beltway, designed to ease congestion. Virginia completed the 495 Express Lane Extension in November 2025, a move that aims to improve the flow of traffic between the two states.
The express lanes offer an expedited route for drivers and are expected to have a direct impact on reducing congestion, particularly in areas where traffic delays have historically been the most severe. For tourists traveling to Washington D.C., these lanes represent a potential shortcut that could significantly shorten travel times to key attractions. The implementation of such infrastructure upgrades helps ensure that both residents and tourists benefit from improved access to the region.
Public Input and Community Involvement
Secretary Duffy has emphasized the importance of involving the public in the planning and development of these transportation projects. The release of the Request for Information (RFI) for the American Legion Memorial Bridge reconstruction is a clear indication of Maryland’s commitment to ensuring that local communities, commuters and tourists alike have a say in how congestion is addressed. Public input is vital for shaping the future of transportation in the region, particularly when it comes to making improvements that impact everyday lives and travel experiences.
A Brighter Future for Maryland’s Transportation Network
With ongoing efforts to tackle Beltway congestion, rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge and improve the American Legion Memorial Bridge, Maryland is positioning itself to enhance travel to Washington D.C. for years to come. The state’s focus on modernizing key infrastructure projects is crucial for easing traffic delays and improving the overall experience for both residents and tourists. As these projects progress, they promise to unlock smoother, more efficient travel, benefiting everyone who relies on these critical routes.
Conclusion: Enhancing Travel Through Strategic Infrastructure Investment
Maryland’s commitment to addressing traffic delays in Washington D.C. through key infrastructure upgrades is set to have a significant impact on both local commuters and tourists. The reconstruction of the American Legion Memorial Bridge and the Francis Scott Key Bridge will not only ease Beltway congestion but also improve access to the capital’s major attractions. By ensuring that these vital projects are completed on time and within budget, Maryland is making strides in improving travel for everyone who relies on these roads. With the ongoing public input process and collaboration with neighboring Virginia, the future of travel in the Washington D.C. metro area looks brighter than ever.
President Donald Trump has set his sights on his next renovation project: Washington, D.C.’s golf courses, according to a new report.
The president, who frequently spends weekends on the fairways at his various properties, is seeking to redevelop the three public golf courses in the nation’s capital, The Wall Street Journal reported.
“If we do them, we’ll do it really beautifully,” he told the outlet on Friday after reportedly describing the courses as run down and neglected. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum echoed this sentiment, describing one course as “in total disrepair,” adding that Trump is trying to bring it “back to what it was originally envisioned to be, which is the finest municipal golf in the country, right here in our capital.”
In his pursuit to remake the green spaces, he is attempting to wrest control from the National Links Trust, a non-profit with a 50-year lease to operate, restore and maintain the affordability of East Potomac Golf Links, Rock Creek Park Golf and Langston Golf Course.
Earlier in 2025, the administration ordered the group to take dirt resulting from the demolition of the East Wing of the White House or risk defaulting on its lease with the government, people familiar with the matter told the outlet. The group accepted and trucks were seen dumping piles of soil onto one of East Potomac’s courses.
Despite this, the Interior Department told the National Links Trust that it violated its lease and delivered an official default notice. Trump said that the courses will fall under the administration’s control if the group does not remedy alleged violations by the end of the year.
“Such a move could make it easier for Trump to implement his vision for the East Potomac course, which sits on a prime stretch of Washington real estate along the river,” the outlet reported, noting that the course is “at the top of his list.”
In a statement, the group disputed the administration’s assessment.
“National Links Trust respectfully disagrees with the characterization that we are in default,” a spokesman for the National Links Trust told the newspaper. “National Links Trust appreciates the president’s interest in the D.C. golf courses and looks forward to the opportunity to partner with the administration to improve these historically significant facilities.”
But the Republican president has no interest in working with the organization.
“I think what we’re looking to do is just build something different, and build them in government,” he said.
He’s also shown interest in hiring Tom Fazio, a famed golf course architect, to create designs for a new East Potomac course and hopes to host a professional golfing event in the capital in the near future.
The president’s renovation attempts have triggered consternation among some golfers in Washington, D.C., who fear Trump’s beautifying efforts could boost prices and render the courses unaffordable for residents.
But, Trump said that, if he takes over the three courses, D.C. inhabitants will receive lower rates than visiting golfers.
If Trump is successful in his bid, it would add to the many changes he’s made to the nation’s capital since returning to office in January. At the White House, he’s paved over the Rose Garden, installed towering flag poles on the lawn, affixed gilded furnishings to the Oval Office and began constructing a massive ballroom where the East Wing once stood.
He’s also proposed building a victory arch on the banks of the Potomac and is considering renovating the Reflecting Pool that sits in front of the Lincoln Memorial.
A White House spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Independent.
A D.C. high school teacher is accused of climbing through a student’s window at night to sexually abuse her on numerous occasions.
At least twice, the teacher used the 16-year-old student’s phone to record explicit videos of himself with the girl, the U.S. attorney’s office said.
The abuse began last spring. The most recent incident happened last month.
FBI agents arrested 35-year-old John Gass at his Hyattsville, Maryland, home Thursday.
Gass taught at the D.C. International School. He has been fired.
Gass is charged with production of child pornography and enticement of a minor.
Detectives say there could be other victims. Anyone with information should call the FBI.
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