Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sparked widespread controversy after comparing President Donald Trump’s military parade honoring the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army to the ‘No Kings’ protests that occurred nationwide. The comparison, which she made on social media, drew sharp criticism from conservatives and other critics who alleged that she displayed ‘utter contempt’ for the U.S. military.
Clinton’s message was accompanied by photos of protests in Los Angeles and Houston, as well as images from the parade. The criticism was swift. Conservative X commentator Benny Johnson took to social media to accuse Clinton of showing disrespect for the U.S. military, with some of his comments going as far as suggesting that she hates the troops. Other critics, including Buzz Patterson, a retired Air Force Lt. Col., accused her of having a disdain for the military. The comments reflected a clear divide in political opinions, with some viewing her stance as disrespectful, while others saw it as a legitimate critique of Trump’s policies.
At the same time, Clinton was in the Hamptons, attending the wedding of her former aide Huma Abedin to Alex Soros, the son of billionaire donor George Soros. The criticism of her absence, juxtaposed with her criticism of Trump, only fueled the backlash. The wedding was attended by other high-profile Democrats, including former President Bill Clinton, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, and former Vice President Kamala Harris. The event also drew celebrities and notable figures, such as Vogue editor Anna Wintour and socialite Nicky Hilton Rothschild.
The military parade on Saturday attracted over 250,000 attendees, marking a significant event in the U.S. military calendar. While the parade was a celebration of the Army’s 250th anniversary, many protesters took to the streets, some of whom engaged in violent acts. The contrast between the celebration and the protests highlighted the polarized perspectives on the military’s role in American society.
Meanwhile, the White House criticized the anti-Trump protests as an ‘utter failure,’ emphasizing that the nation’s focus should be on celebrating the Army’s historic milestone. Fox News reported that more Americans supported than opposed the Army’s celebration, according to a recent poll. The contrast in public sentiment reflects the deep ideological divides in the country.
Despite the backlash, Clinton remained focused on her political aspirations and public image, emphasizing the importance of engaging in discussions that reflect on the country’s political climate. However, the controversy surrounding her comments has further intensified the existing political tensions, particularly regarding the military’s role and the treatment of public dissent.