During a recent military parade in Washington DC, President Trump's long-awaited spectacle fell short of expectations. The event, held to mark the US army's 250th anniversary, was more of a celebration of Trump's birthday and a display of his power.

Trump's initial desire for a military parade was inspired during his visit to France in 2017, where he witnessed Bastille Day celebrations. However, his idea was shot down by military officials who likened such displays to actions of dictators. Now, having surrounded himself with loyalists, Trump finally got his parade.

The parade featured tanks, missiles, airplanes, and parachutists, with corporate sponsorships helping to cover the costs. Despite the grand display, the event was lackluster. Uniformed soldiers marched irregularly, the turnout was small, and the crowd appeared defeated and unenthusiastic.

Contrasting the military parade were large-scale protests across the country, with millions rallying under the banner 'No Kings'. These protests symbolized opposition to Trump's vision of America and a call for equality and self-government.

Trump's use of the military as a tool to celebrate his power and suppress dissent was evident during the parade. The event aimed to showcase his dictatorial ambitions and instill fear in his opponents.

Despite his efforts to portray strength and authority, Trump's display came across as contrived and self-referential. His desire to play the role of a dictator, both in reality and on TV, was apparent throughout the event.

While Trump's actions may seem theatrical and insincere, they underscore a dangerous trend towards authoritarianism in American politics. His calculated display of power serves as a reminder of the challenges facing democracy in the current political climate.