Consider This from NPR: Covering the Military Parade and No Kings Rally on the Same Day

Episode Release Date: June 21, 2025

In this insightful episode of NPR's Consider This, host Andrew Limbong engages with seasoned NPR correspondent Frank Langfit to explore a unique journalistic experience: covering two contrasting events—the military parade in Washington, D.C., and the No Kings protest in Annapolis, Maryland—both occurring on the same day. This dual coverage provided Frank with a profound perspective on the current state of American society, revealing underlying commonalities amidst apparent divisions.

A Day of Contrasts: Military Parade vs. No Kings Protest

Frank Langfit, known for his extensive international reporting, found himself navigating a "split screen moment" in his own country. The military parade showcased tanks and armored personnel carriers in front of the White House, a traditional display of national pride and military might. In stark contrast, the No Kings rally represented a grassroots movement opposing the perceived politicization of the armed forces and warning against authoritarian leadership.

Frank Langfit described his experience, saying, “[...] covering the two events last week on the same day gave him the same feeling he felt covering other countries” (00:00).

Restraint and Common Ground

One of the most striking observations Frank made was the mutual restraint exhibited by participants on both sides of the events. Despite initial fears of potential violence, both the parade attendees and protestors maintained a peaceful demeanor.

Frank Langfit emphasized this point: “Both sides showed something that I think is kind of in short supply these days in the country, and that’s restraint” (03:17).

A poignant example of this restraint is illustrated through Peter Salinger, a 22-year-old attendee at the parade who simultaneously protested against it. Salinger expressed his disapproval of military parades:

Peter Salinger: “I don’t think it’s American to have a military parade. It costs millions of dollars on a president’s birthday” (04:10).

Despite his opposition, Salinger approached his protest with a thoughtful demeanor. He wore an American flag bandana, signaling his patriotism, and engaged respectfully with others. When confronted by an angry individual, Salinger calmly asserted his right to free speech, leading to a surprising moment of understanding:

Peter Salinger: “Sort of said, you know, I’m just here exercising my rights to free speech. [...] I work in finance” (05:03).

Frank Langfit reflected on this interaction, highlighting the unexpected commonality: “The fact of the matter is, this is a country where people on either side kind of demonize each other. And then when they actually see each other and they talk, there is more in common than they imagine” (06:09).

Military Parade: A Different Experience

Comparing the recent military parade to those he has witnessed internationally, Frank noted a significant departure from the intimidating displays seen in countries like China and North Korea. Unlike the forced marches and missile showcases he covered in Beijing in 1999, the U.S. parade was more celebratory and less aggressive:

Frank Langfit: “The troops were not marching. [...] It was a lot more like a pep rally” (06:46).

This portrayal challenges critics who feared the parade would project authoritarianism, instead presenting it as a grassroots celebration of the armed forces.

No Kings Rally: A Focused Protest

In Annapolis, the No Kings rally was predominantly white and centered around opposition to what attendees perceived as authoritarian tendencies in the administration. The protest lacked visible pro-Trump supporters, focusing instead on broader concerns about the politicization of the military.

Frank Langfit observed: “Nearly everybody there was focused on what they see as authoritarianism. In the speeches, though, there wasn’t a lot about exactly how to go about doing that” (06:31).

Demographic and Emotional Landscapes

Frank highlighted the contrasting demographics and atmospheres of the two events. The No Kings rally in Annapolis was situated in a well-to-do, predominantly white area with attendees deeply concerned about political authoritarianism. Conversely, the military parade in Washington, D.C., was more ethnically diverse, reflecting the active military's composition, and carried a more celebratory and inclusive vibe.

Frank Langfit shared his feelings: “I felt kind of like a foreign correspondent in my own homeland” (09:05).

He recounted an interview with a Marine from El Salvador and his Ecuadorian wife, who supported Trump’s immigration policies but feared social media backlash, underscoring the complex and personal dimensions of political stances.

Towards Understanding and Dialogue

The overarching takeaway from Frank's coverage was the potential for understanding and dialogue even amidst deep national divisions. The respectful interactions he witnessed suggest that face-to-face conversations can bridge ideological gaps.

Peter Salinger encapsulated this sentiment: “I think being face to face with people in some ways felt de escalatory. [...] That’s the real type of, like, face to face interaction that we need to be having” (08:17).

Frank Langfit concluded that such interactions, although rare in a bitterly divided nation, are essential for fostering mutual respect and reducing political violence.

Conclusion

Frank Langfit's dual coverage of the military parade and No Kings rally offers a microcosm of America's current socio-political landscape. Through his lens, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the country's divisions and the subtle threads of commonality that exist beneath the surface. This episode highlights the importance of restraint, respectful dialogue, and the recognition of shared values in navigating a polarized society.

Notable Quotes:

• Frank Langfit: “Both sides showed something that I think is kind of in short supply these days in the country, and that’s restraint” (03:17).
• Peter Salinger: “I don’t think it’s American to have a military parade. It costs millions of dollars on a president’s birthday” (04:10).
• Frank Langfit: “This country is bitterly divided. Political violence we're seeing is becoming more common” (08:46).
• Peter Salinger: “I think being face to face with people in some ways felt de escalatory” (08:17).
• Frank Langfit: “I felt kind of like a foreign correspondent in my own homeland” (09:05).

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Frank Langfit’s reporting, providing listeners with a clear and engaging overview of the events and their broader implications for American society.

Produced by Michelle Aslam. Edited by Sarah Robbins and Katherine Laidlaw. Executive Producer: Sami Yenigun.