Parade pageantry and public protests: How US celebrated the 4th of July

Patriotic pageantry and public protests marked the 249th anniversary of the independence of the United States. While Washington, DC celebrated the Fourth of July with an Independence Day Parade, thousands took to the streets and voiced their stance against US President Donald Trump’s administration.

Meanwhile, Trump supporters joined the parade with MAGA hats on their heads, with some celebrating the Big Beautiful Bill turning into a law.

“It’s been the best year I’ve ever had in business, I think, with the changes Trump has made. We’re going to see our most profitable year ever, even with some of the higher prices that we have to pay in tariffs,” one of the supporters told the Associated Press.

Protests took over the capital

While the marching bands passed along Washington’s Constitution Avenue, a group of more than 20 people gathered to demonstrate against Trump’s policy. The protesters read out from the Declaration of Independence. “I think it’s important for us to go back to our founding documents, to our mission statement and refocus on that,” said one of the organisers, Jason Hellenberg.

When asked how he feels about the trade war initiated by Trump Tariffs, Hellenberg told CTV News that he doesn’t appreciate what he calls the “Trump trade war,” adding that Canada and the US “have worked together for hundreds of years, and there’s no reason to screw up that relationship.”

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However, there were still Americans who were celebrating the day with a renewed sense of patriotism. However, both the protesters and supporters expressed to CTV their hope for a better future for their country.