Bulwark Takes: Trump’s Parade FLOPS as MILLIONS Protest Nationwide
Release Date: June 15, 2025

Introduction

In the June 15, 2025 episode of Bulwark Takes, hosted by JVL and featuring colleagues Will Sommer, Andrew Egger, and Sarah Longwell, the team delves into the significant political event where former President Donald Trump’s much-anticipated parade in Washington, D.C., failed to attract the expected crowd amidst nationwide protests. This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the parade’s shortcomings, the scale and impact of the protests, and the broader implications for Trump and the Republican Party.

Trump’s Parade Flop

The episode opens with JVL expressing cautious optimism following a tumultuous week:

JVL [02:01]: "I feel like we can exhale. I feel like we made it. Basically if you are the type of person who is in full blown worst case scenario mode for this weekend and what it could mean for America, I think we've dodged one."

Despite fears of a potential flashpoint similar to historical displays of force, the parade turned out to be underwhelming. News reports indicated that only about 10,000 people attended Trump’s military-themed parade, which featured tanks and a display reminiscent of authoritarian regimes. This low turnout was perceived as a significant embarrassment for Trump.

Will Sommer [05:21]: "Trump was really denied any kind of imagery here. It's just this kind of soggy parade. I mean, you know, Fox had a camera that was just watching him the whole time. He just looked like, you know, this is $45 million."

The parade failed to generate the "Kim Jong Un-style" spectacle that Trump might have hoped for, instead presenting a "soggy and limp" event with sparse attendance and minimal enthusiasm.

Nationwide Protests Overview

Concurrently, millions participated in "No Kings" protests across the country, organized as a unified response against Trump’s continued influence and policies. Sarah Longwell provides firsthand observations of these protests:

Sarah Longwell [09:32]: "I think it's deeply humiliating for him."

These protests were characterized by disciplined organization, avoiding clashes and presenting a peaceful but resolute front. They spanned multiple cities, including Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Asheville, North Carolina, each drawing thousands of participants. The movement emphasized unity and non-violence, contrasting sharply with the militaristic overtones of Trump’s parade.

Discussion and Analysis

Sarah Longwell’s Insights

Sarah highlights the psychological and symbolic victory stemming from the parade’s failure:

Sarah Longwell [04:40]: "This is such a stupid frame for us to get so enthusiastic about, except that we know how much it matters to him."

She underscores that the lack of a large, supportive crowd undermines Trump's narrative of being a populist champion, thereby eroding his influence and appeal among his base.

Will Sommer’s Input

Will discusses external factors contributing to the parade's poor turnout, including recent tragedies and the shifting focus of media outlets:

Will Sommer [05:21]: "I was just looking at the Gateway Pundit before we started, and I had to scroll, like, I don't think the parade is on their first, like, 30 items."

He also critiques the parade’s lack of compelling imagery and its failure to resonate with spectators, portraying Trump as disconnected from reality.

Andrew Egger’s Analysis

Andrew examines the strategic aspects behind both the parade and the protests:

Andrew Egger [08:49]: "The no Kings protests were extremely kind of disciplined from the top down about the messaging of, like, we're not out here to tangle with people, we're out here to kind of show up and have our numbers tell the story and be really boring."

He argues that the organic and widespread nature of the protests reflects a significant shift in public sentiment against Trump, independent of any singular cause, thereby strengthening the resistance movement.

JVL’s Perspective

JVL raises questions about the long-term implications of the parade’s failure and the protests’ momentum:

JVL [19:17]: "We're gonna need a lot more of these days though, is the problem. Cause we've got more than three and a half years left of this. Good luck, America."

He suggests that sustained grassroots activism will be crucial in maintaining the momentum against Trump's influence leading up to future elections.

Impact and Future Expectations

The episode emphasizes that the combination of the parade flop and the robust protests signifies a turning tide against Trump and his allies. The lack of a grandiose display of support weakens Trump's standing, while the disciplined and widespread protests demonstrate a unified front aiming to effect meaningful change.

Sarah Longwell notes the broader implications for American institutions:

Sarah Longwell [16:30]: "Trump is diminishing the whole thing by making it hyper partisan and by making it about him. And it made me, it's, it's, it's sad for the country, I think, to start feeling that sense of, hey, you're using these guys as political props."

The episode concludes on a cautiously optimistic note, acknowledging that while challenges remain, the visible decline in Trump's influence coupled with active public dissent bodes well for the future of American democracy.

Conclusion

In this episode of Bulwark Takes, the hosts provide a thorough examination of a pivotal moment in American politics—the underwhelming turnout for Trump’s parade amidst massive nationwide protests. Through insightful discussion and firsthand observations, the team elucidates the shifting political landscape, highlighting the diminishing influence of Trump and the rising collective action among his opposition. The analysis serves as a beacon of hope for sustained democratic engagement and the power of organized, peaceful protest in shaping the nation’s future.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• JVL [02:01]: "I feel like we can exhale. I feel like we made it."

• Sarah Longwell [04:40]: "This is such a stupid frame for us to get so enthusiastic about, except that we know how much it matters to him."

• Will Sommer [05:21]: "Trump was really denied any kind of imagery here. It's just this kind of soggy parade."

• Andrew Egger [08:49]: "The no Kings protests were extremely kind of disciplined from the top down about the messaging of, like, we're not out here to tangle with people."

• Sarah Longwell [16:30]: "Trump is diminishing the whole thing by making it hyper partisan and by making it about him."

• JVL [19:17]: "We're gonna need a lot more of these days though, is the problem. Cause we've got more than three and a half years left of this."

This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, providing listeners and non-listeners alike with a comprehensive understanding of the discussions, insights, and implications surrounding Trump’s failed parade and the accompanying nationwide protests.