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“A huge reason why we’re here is because Trump doesn’t own patriotism in this country, and I don’t think we should let him,” said Eric Whitman, 42, of Washington, D.C. “I think it’s important for every American regardless of what party you’re in or who you voted for to come and support the military…. I think we’re taking a horrible turn right now in light of the administration’s policies, but we’re still American.”
Partners Jordan and Isabel, both in their 30s, were walking around the grounds with signs that read “Nobody paid me to be here, I protest for free” and “Happy 250th birthday Army, sorry TACO has you marching in the heat,” using the moniker for Trump that stands for Trump Always Chickens Out.
“To an extent, the military and the American flag, for a long time, have been kind of symbols of the MAGA group, but I don’t think that’s a fair representation to either of those parties,” Isabel noted. “So we’re trying to take it back again, and just show support for the military without showing support to MAGA.”
Then there was Matt Hawthorne. While Trump was speaking, chants of “USA, USA” broke out that weren’t in response to the president. A small crowd had formed around one large white man with glasses who was screaming “traitor” and “rapist” while Trump supporters surrounded him, shouting him down. They took Hawthorne’s protest sign, calling him a “stupid motherfucker.” He immediately pulled out another one that read “Cheer the troops. Boo the traitor. Using them as props,” and continued to holler until Park Police came over and the crowd dispersed.
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