Texas Army sergeant arrested after video of 3-year-old boy being brutally beaten goes viral



A Texas Army sergeant stationed at Fort Hood was arrested after video showing a 3-year-old boy being brutally beaten went viral on social media.

Waco Police said Paul Thames, 29, is the male seen in a Ring doorbell camera video beating the child, KWTX-TV reported, adding that the clip was recorded at the Legend Apartments and shared with law enforcement.

'Are you going to stop playing?'

Thames is being held on a federal detainer at the McLennan County Jail, the station said.

A spokesperson with the 1st Cavalry Division confirmed to KWTX in an email that Thames is a sergeant stationed at Fort Hood.

“We are aware of the arrest of Sgt. Paul Thames for abuse of a child. The 1st Cavalry Division is in communication with law enforcement. We are disgusted by the video that has been posted,” the official told the station. "The behavior of Sgt. Thames does not reflect the values of the 1st Cavalry Division or the U.S. Army.”

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The video shared with KWTX shows the male picking up the toddler and hitting him at least five times in the torso with a clenched fist, the station said.

The boy is heard crying as the man pulls him up by the face and asks, “Are you going to stop playing?” KWTX reported, adding that the male then walks away with the child.

Police were dispatched around 5:20 p.m. Friday to the apartment complex located at 2400 Corporation Parkway to investigate the incident, the station said.

Police added to KWTX that the child was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where medical personnel evaluated him, and he was later released.

Thames surrendered to authorities and was booked into the McLennan County Jail late Friday night, the station said, adding that he was charged with injury to a child, a third-degree felony.

Thames' bond was set at $200,000, but KWTX said the county jail confirmed that he was being held on a federal detainer.

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Democrat Obama Army official praises $1,776 warrior bonus from Trump admin: 'Long-overdue moral obligation'



A former U.S. Army official says the federal government's gift to service members this Christmas is a signal to troops that their sacrifices are appreciated.

Patrick Murphy, a former Democratic congressman from Pennsylvania and the former U.S. undersecretary of the Army for the Obama administration, praised the Warrior Dividend as a sign of respect for military families.

'There is a troubling tendency to politicize military leadership and culture.'

Last week, President Trump announced that approximately 1.5 million military members would receive a bonus of $1,776 to thank them for their service and to commemorate 250 years of the U.S. military.

According to the former congressman, the payment is well deserved.

"Having served in uniform and later at the Pentagon, I saw firsthand how much our troops give and how often that sacrifice shows up as stress on families, finances, and retention," Murphy, a decorated former JAG Corps attorney, told Blaze News.

Murphy stated that with a quarter of military families operating on a single income, many troops suffer from significant financial strain, which is "one of the leading causes of our suicide epidemic."

He added, "The Warrior Dividend isn't just about pay. It's about honoring a long-overdue moral obligation. It's a signal to our troops and their families that their sacrifices are supported and valued."

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JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images

Presidential treatment

Murphy told Blaze News about his experience working under different administrations and said they all have made attempts to show support for U.S. troops in their own way.

Citing President Obama's "groundwork" for reforming the Department of Veterans Affairs, President Biden addressing housing and suicide prevention among service members, and Trump's financial support for the military, Murphy said he feels "core support for our troops has remained consistent, but the tone, priorities, and follow-through of leadership have varied."

With that in mind, Murphy urged politicians to treat the military in an apolitical manner.

"There is a troubling tendency to politicize military leadership and culture, something I believe undermines readiness and trust. The Armed Forces function best when they are professional, trusted, and insulated from partisan conflict."

RELATED: Army, Navy release stunning uniforms ahead of historic matchup honoring America's 250th birthday

Photo by Teresa Kroeger/Getty Images

Tapping Gen Z

Murphy is noted for having recruited more than 120,000 Gen Z Americans through a military initiative called Soldier for Life. He detailed his recruitment strategy, admitting it was not easy to get messaging through to a new generation. Therefore modern methodology and a fresh approach were needed.

"Gen Z is a group that is smart, driven, and looking for meaning. So we reimagined our outreach and met them where they are — digitally," Murphy recalled.

The approach included a focus on benefits that would appeal to that generation, like education, leadership training, and careers in artificial intelligence. As well, Murphy said he ensured the core messaging focused on "America, its diversity, its values, and its evergreen need for genuine, authentic leadership."

"We weren't just selling a job; we were calling young people to be part of something bigger than themselves. And when you show Gen Z that service is not just honorable but empowering, they respond. That's how you build the next generation of leaders, in and out of uniform."

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Trump promises 'very serious retaliation' after 'ISIS attack' that killed 2 US Army soldiers, 1 US interpreter in Syria



President Donald Trump promised "very serious retaliation" after an "ISIS attack" that killed two U.S. Army soldiers and one U.S. interpreter interpreter Saturday in Syria.

Fox News reported that a lone Islamic State gunman carried out the ambush, which also left three others wounded. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said that "the savage who perpetrated this attack was killed by partner forces."

'Let it be known, if you target Americans — anywhere in the world — you will spend the rest of your brief, anxious life knowing the United States will hunt you, find you, and ruthlessly kill you.'

"We mourn the loss of three Great American Patriots in Syria, two soldiers, and one Civilian Interpreter," Trump wrote on Truth Social, according to the cable news network. "Likewise, we pray for the three injured soldiers who, it has just been confirmed, are doing well. This was an ISIS attack against the U.S., and Syria, in a very dangerous part of Syria, that is not fully controlled by them."

Trump added that "the President of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is extremely angry and disturbed by this attack. There will be very serious retaliation," Fox News noted.

Trump also said Saturday to reporters outside the White House that "this was an ISIS attack on us and Syria. And again, we mourn the loss, and we pray for them and their parents and their loved ones," the cable news network reported.

Hegseth added on X: "Let it be known, if you target Americans — anywhere in the world — you will spend the rest of your brief, anxious life knowing the United States will hunt you, find you, and ruthlessly kill you."

Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said on X that the attack in the town of Palmyra "occurred as the soldiers were conducting a key leader engagement. Their mission was in support of ongoing counter-ISIS/counter-terrorism operations in the region. The soldiers’ names, as well as identifying information about their units, are being withheld until 24 hours after the next of kin notification. This attack is currently under active investigation."

RELATED: Trump warns Israel about interference in Syria after deadly raid, airstrikes

The cable news network added that there are about 900 U.S. troops in Syria.

More from Fox News:

The U.S. had eight bases in Syria to keep an eye on ISIS since the U.S. military went in to prevent the terrorist group from setting up a caliphate in 2014, although three of those bases have since been closed down or turned over to the Syrian Democratic Forces.

On Monday, tens of thousands of Syrians flooded the streets of Damascus to mark the first anniversary of the Assad regime’s collapse.

Those celebrations came a year after former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad fled the capital as rebel forces swept through the country in a lightning offensive that ended five decades of Assad family rule and opened a new chapter in Syrian history.

The Associated Press reported that Saturday's attack on U.S. troops was the first to cause fatalities since Assad's fall.

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US Army says it is not replacing 'human decision-making' with AI after general admits to using chatbot



Certain decisions are best not left to machines, the Army has revealed.

A United States Army general made headlines last week when he told reporters at a media roundtable he had been using an AI chatbot to "build models to help all of us."

'He is helping the Army explore how artificial intelligence can strengthen decision-making.'

Major General William "Hank" Taylor told media at the annual Association of the United States Army conference that "Chat and I" have become "really close lately," prompting more questions than answers about the Army's use of AI.

Williams is the top United States Army commander in South Korea and makes decisions for thousands of troops. He explained to reporters that he is indeed using the technology to make decisions that affect those under his command, but to what end was unknown.

Now, the Eighth Army office has revealed to Return what exactly the high-ranking officer meant. The office said that Taylor's remarks were actually regarding the Army's "ongoing modernization efforts," which specifically relate to how technology can assist leaders in making timely and informed decisions.

At the same time, the spokesperson said that the Army does not plan on replacing human decision-makers, especially in key areas.

RELATED: From West Point to Woke Point: The long march through the ranks

Photo by KIM Jae-Hwan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

"All operational and personnel decisions remain the sole responsibility of commanders and their staff, guided by Army policy, regulation, and professional judgment," media relations chief Jungwon Choi told Return.

He added that while Eighth Army recognizes the opportunities and risks associated with AI, it is only looking at how to integrate "trusted, secure, and compliant systems that enhance — not replace — human decision-making."

The Army reiterated that point, stating that Taylor does not use any AI-assisted tools to make personnel, operational, or command decisions, and his remarks were only referring to using "AI-assisted tools in a learning and exploratory capacity."

The Army is not looking at "delegating command authority to an algorithm or chatbot," either, Choi reinforced.

The Department of War is tinkering with AI chatbots for its forces on the ground, however. As Return previously reported, training scenarios have already included experimentation with an offline battle-ready chatbot.

The technology, called EdgeRunner AI, allows soldiers to get instant information about mission objectives, coordinates, and other details instantaneously in an offline environment.

EdgeRunner recently wrapped up military exercises in Fort Carson, Colorado, and Fort Riley, Kansas.

RELATED: Democrats once undermined the Army. Now they undermine the nation.

Photo by JUNG YEON-JE/AFP via Getty Images

At the same time, Choi said that like many leaders, Major General Taylor has "experimented with publicly available AI-assisted tools to understand how generative AI functions, its potential uses, and the safeguards required for responsible employment."

Taylor has also explored HQDA-approved large language models to "assess how secure, compliant AI systems" can support leadership development or improve operational efficiency, for example.

The spokesman said Taylor does not endorse any specific commercial platform, and the Army did not answer as to whether he was referring to using ChatGPT when speaking to reporters, which tech outlet Futurism claimed last week.

"MG Taylor's engagement with HQDA-approved AI platforms reflects a forward-thinking approach to leadership and modernization," the army representative concluded. "By responsibly experimenting with these emerging tools, he is helping the Army explore how artificial intelligence can strengthen decision-making, improve efficiency, and prepare leaders for the evolving demands of the modern battlefield."

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'They want to spy on you': Military tech CEO explains why AI companies don't want you going offline



A military technology entrepreneur warns that artificial intelligence companies are taking advantage of customers by keeping them connected to the internet.

In an exclusive interview with Blaze Media, EdgeRunner CEO Tyler Saltsman said there are clear reasons why there are no popular AI programs that consumers can simply install and use offline.

'They want to learn more about you.'

Saltsman's AI program (EdgeRunner AI) is currently in testing with the Department of War and promises to deliver an offline, secure AI assistance tool to deliver real-time data and mission strategy to boots on the ground. The tech expert explained that EdgeRunner AI can be installed on a wide variety of devices and used without an internet connection, just like many other programs.

This allows for a simple rollout while also avoiding data interception by the enemy.

Blaze Media asked the CEO why leading providers of AI programs and chatbots are online only and require a perpetual connection in order to be used.

"They want to spy on you," Saltsman revealed. He said that by keeping users online, the AI companies can train their models and improve their product.

RELATED: Space Force AI chatbot now capable of operating missile defense systems and satellites for soldiers

EdgeRunner AI is used on a military laptop. Image provided to Blaze News courtesy of EdgeRunner

The CEO was not in short supply of reasons why it benefits the tech sector to keep consumer info streaming into its data centers online.

"They want your data, they want your prompts, they want to learn more about you," he continued.

Saltsman went on, stating he believes the ongoing fees are part of an effort to "price-gouge" the consumer. He said that while he is not a fan of these perpetual sales, he is, however, a big fan of the idea that language models and programming interfaces "are not products."

"Keep the data private and bring the product to the people," he stressed. "We don't want Big Tech having all of this data and having all this control. It needs to be decentralized."

Saltsman also told Blaze Media that he strongly believes President Trump's administration is open to diminishing hurdles and cutting red tape. This can ensure proper advancements in technology for the U.S. military. With that, he hopes "the current administration values offline AI."

When asked if he plans to bring his AI to market at some point, Saltsman said that while it is a goal, his primary objective in the immediate future is to implement EdgeRunner AI so that U.S. soldiers can harness the advantages while limiting loss of life.

At the same time, Saltsman was adamant that humans are always the key factor in any decision his company makes and that the technology has to be centered around the soldier, first and foremost.

RELATED: AI chatbots share blame for confusion in wake of Charlie Kirk shooting

Photo by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images

EdgeRunner recently wrapped up military exercises in Fort Carson, Colorado, and Fort Riley, Kansas.

In Fort Carson, the company tested they tech with an airborne company, a support battalion, and a special forces unit.

During the exercise in Fort Riley, EdgeRunner AI was used to support the 1st Infantry Division during its "Danger Gauntlet IV" exercise.

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Biotech founder sliced open his own legs on camera to prove his product is safe for US troops



Jake Adler, founder of the medical startup Pilgrim, was willing to bleed to show investors he was serious about his product.

At just age 21, the biotech entrepreneur is so convinced his product has legs that he wounded his own.

In a video sent to investors, Adler sterilized his thighs before reminding viewers that his product is intended to undergo proper and rigorous clinical investigations. But that didn't stop him from testing it on himself first.

'I'm allowed to do anything to my own body.'

Adler reportedly numbed his legs with lidocaine before using a medical device, a punch biopsy tool, to create two "scientifically precise wounds."

Adler then applied his product, called Kingsfoil, to one of the open wounds. The other wound was left undressed as a control subject.

Kingsfoil is a clay-based hemostatic dressing that turns into a gel-like matter when it touches the skin. It is designed to help close wounds and aid in healing.

The product seemingly stalled the bleeding on the wound it was applied to, according to Business Insider, which reviewed the video.

"I was very cautious," he told the outlet.

"When I looked through the laws, there was nothing that inherently said I couldn't do a test on myself."

Adler added, "In the same way you can get a tattoo, I'm allowed to do anything to my own body."

With a warning not to try this at home, Adler showed he was willing to go to any length to get his product to market. A few huge investments later, the young entrepreneur is pushing toward what he has been primed to do for years.

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Photo by Ezra Acayan/Getty Images

Adler got a head start in 2023, acquiring a Thiel Fellowship just a year after graduating high school. The fellowship, backed by billionaire Peter Thiel, funds young people who "want to build new things instead of sitting in a classroom."

"Two years. $200,000. Some ideas can't wait," the website reads.

By March 2025, Pilgrim had acquired $3.25 million in investments, capital that has since ballooned to $4.3 million in seed funding at the time of this writing.

Now, Adler openly recognizes how his fellowship was able to eat up some of the initial costs that cause so many startups to stumble out of the gate. Adler says that while it can take most companies many more months to gain approval, Kingsfoil is able to accelerate its timeline thanks to partnerships with the Department of Defense.

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Adler named Kingsfoil after the healing herb in "The Lord of the Rings."

The tech space is rife with these types of references to the J.R.R. Tolkien corpus; Alex Karp's Palantir is named after a seeing stone, Palmer Luckey's tech company Anduril refers to a sword, and Luckey's cryptobank startup Erebor is a mountain in the same lore.

While Adler admits that most of his ideas can be credited to works of fantasy, the unofficial banner under which these startups are named immediately evokes the expectation of an elevated standard. When a startup in this orbit uses one of these fantasy-themed monikers, it is expected to be both serious and promising.

Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images

Adler explained in a March interview that his aspirations are focused on helping U.S. armed forces increase their readiness when it comes to defense, not weaponry.

For example, in addition to Kingsfoil, he has looked into the possibilities of controlling "sleep architecture" so that soldiers can feel as if they have slept for five hours when they have only slept for three. Adler does not want soldiers to rely on pharmaceuticals for rest or alertness.

The biotech entrepreneur also said he wants to build soldier readiness when it comes to chemical threats and create a system that can detect airborne pathogens or poisons. According to Business Insider, that system, dubbed ARGUS, would be coupled with Voyager, an inhaled mist to help the body neutralize chemicals (such as nerve agents) before they reach the bloodstream.

Pilgrim is just a five-person team, however, and these products are still prototypes or in the research and development stages.

As for Kingsfoil, its only current known side effect is minor skin irritation.

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Leftist No Kings event in Arizona draws older crowd with patriotic symbols



Scottsdale, Ariz. — Saturday morning, progressive activists across the nation protested against President Donald Trump and the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary parade in Washington, D.C.

Blaze News was on the ground in Scottsdale, Arizona, where one of the roughly 2,000 No Kings demonstrations occurred.

'Stop the coup.'

Rally-goers were set to meet at the southwest corner of Scottsdale Road and Camelback Road, directly across the street from Scottsdale Fashion Square, a shopping center. In May 2020, this mall endured millions of dollars in damages during the Black Lives Matter riots, leading to dozens of arrests for looting and criminal damage. Those events left lingering fears among some locals that Saturday's protest could spark similar destruction.

On Saturday morning, a few hundred protesters gathered in the area, spreading across all sides of the intersection and occasionally spilling into nearby blocks. Concrete barriers kept the crowd, which mostly included adults in their 50s and older, from blocking traffic.

RELATED: Soros-tied No Kings protesters plot to sabotage US Army's 250th anniversary parade

Image Source: Blaze News

A strong law enforcement presence monitored the area, with local police patrolling the perimeter and periodically moving through the crowd, maintaining order without incident.

Protesters attending the No Kings rallies, which were reportedly backed by 198 groups with $2.1 billion in annual revenue, were encouraged to show up at the events with American flags to "reclaim" national symbols.

In Arizona, protesters lined the sidewalks with stars and stripes and signs criticizing Trump and Elon Musk. Several flags and signs featured "1776" and other patriotic imagery and rhetoric typically seen at conservative rallies.

At one point, protesters played Bruce Springsteen's "Born in the U.S.A.," while one demonstrator held a sign reading, "No one is illegal."

Other signs declared, "Oppression is the mask of fear," "Hands off our NPR," and "Stop the coup."

One protester's sign, reading "American made guillotines 'fit for a king,'" stood out as the most provocative.

RELATED: 'Vulgar display of weakness': Patriots celebrate US Army parade as Democrats seethe

Image Source: Blaze News

Many passing vehicles honked their horns in support of the gathering.

While there did not appear to be any significant presence of counter-protesters, several individuals with pro-Trump decals and flags drove by to show their support for the president.

The protest, which remained peaceful, largely fizzled out by the early afternoon.

Several other No Kings demonstrations occurred across the Phoenix metropolitan area. Local news estimated that "thousands" participated.

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'Vulgar display of weakness': Patriots celebrate US Army parade as Democrats seethe



The 250th anniversary of the United States Army brought out the best and worst from U.S. politicians, some of whom were thankful for the event while others condemned it.

The day-long celebration culminated with a parade down Constitution Ave. NW in Washington, D.C., showing off Army personnel, tanks, armored vehicles, and historical equipment.

'Today should be about them. Not Donald Trump.'

Supporters lined the streets as U.S. Army servicemen and women waved and saluted President Donald Trump; the parade lasted about 90 minutes.

During the event, politicians and commentators showed their best (and worst) colors.

"Today's events in Washington, D.C. are an incredible opportunity to showcase the strength, discipline, and teamwork of our military," Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia wrote on X. Greene also participated in workouts in D.C. with armed forces members earlier in the day.

Retired Army Captain Sam Brown, in a message posted to his X page, called the parade "a tribute to the history and tradition of the greatest fighting Army in the world."

Conservative commentator Benny Johnson was excited for the parade, showcasing a photo of the stage that hosted the president.

"Holy smokes. The setup for President Trump’s speech at the Army’s 250th Anniversary parade is so badass," Johnson wrote on X.

RELATED: From 'F**k Trump' to handshakes: 'No Kings' rally in Texas stays civil

— (@)

Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman (D) quoted an Army post on X and put politics aside to state the parade represented the "very best of us" and should be celebrated "regardless of your politics,"

At the same time however, politicians like California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) attacked the parade as something that is done by weak world leaders.

The governor called the parade "an embarrassment" and a "vulgar display of weakness" that is typically meant for dictators. Newsom then claimed the parade was actually demanded by Trump to celebrate his birthday, which fell on the same day.

"Today should be about them," Newsom said, referring to members of the Army. "Not Donald Trump."

Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren (D) chose to celebrate the day by praising left-wing protests against the deportation of illegal immigrants.

"Today, I stand with the millions of Americans making clear this country doesn't belong to a king," Warren wrote on X.

Independent Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and New York Senator Chuck Schumer (D) both attended the anti-immigration enforcement protests on the Army's anniversary.

Sanders said on his X page that he and others were standing up and "saying NO to the authoritarianism," while Schumer simply posed for a photo with protesters with the caption, "No kings in America."

RELATED: Big Tech execs enlist in Army Reserve, citing 'patriotism' and cybersecurity

Blaze News reached out to former service members to gauge their reaction to the military parade and whether it should be seen as an unnecessary display.

"It's technically a birthday party, and the Army celebrates with parades for everything. I don't see anything wrong with it," Matt Harley, a former Army combat engineer, told Blaze News.

"I don't see why there would be any problem with a military parade, considering the amount of Pride parades there are," a former member of the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps told Blaze News. "June should probably just be military month instead," he added.

The parade also featured live music and honored countless generations of fabled Army units, including the 101st Airborne Division. The division is one of the most storied units in history, and their efforts in World War II served as the inspiration for the hit series "Band of Brothers" and the movie "Saving Private Ryan."

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How to watch US Army 250th anniversary parade



The United States Army will celebrate its 250th anniversary with a Grand Military Parade in Washington, D.C., on June 14, 2025. The anniversary lands on President Donald J. Trump's 79th birthday, as well. The U.S. Army, formed first as the Continental Army, was founded June 14, 1775.

How to watch the 250th anniversary parade

  • Army festivities: 9:15 a.m. Eastern Time — U.S. Army livestream at bottom of page
  • Official parade start time: 6:30 p.m. ET — RSBN livestream below
  • Concert at the Ellipse: 7:30 p.m. ET
  • Fireworks: 9:45 ET

The Army will start its coverage of the birthday festival at 9:15 a.m. Eastern Time, while the parade is officially scheduled for a 6:30 p.m. local start time. See the embedded livestreams below.

The parade will involve a march down Constitution Ave. NW in D.C. and is expected to last between 60 and 90 minutes, with fireworks starting at 9:45 p.m. ET. For a map of the parade route, see this graphic from CBS News.

RELATED: Soros-tied No Kings protesters plot to sabotage US Army's 250th anniversary parade

If you are having trouble viewing the livestream, visit TheBlaze on X for videos and reactions to the parade.

Alternatively, visit the U.S. Army YouTube and Facebook pages for more direct feeds.

As well, CBS News has promised a dedicated stream of the event.

RELATED: Joy Behar's deep thoughts: 'What a coincidence' Trump, Army share birthday

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Soros-tied No Kings protesters plot to sabotage US Army's 250th anniversary parade



As President Donald Trump's administration prepares a grand and patriotic 250th anniversary celebration for the U.S. Army, George Soros-funded progressive activists are plotting a meticulously organized counterprotest to politicize the military milestone.

The White House has stated that the Grand Military Parade scheduled for June 14 in Washington, D.C., aims to "celebrate the legacy of the Army and express our deepest gratitude to those who have served and continue to serve in its ranks."

'That AFL-CIO is openly involved in sponsoring the No Kings rally should raise extreme concerns as to the rally's true purpose.'

"For 250 years, the U.S. Army has defended our nation, upheld the ideals of freedom and democracy, and served with courage at home and abroad. From the Revolutionary War to today, the Army's soldiers have embodied duty, honor, and sacrifice, ensuring the security of the United States and its people," the administration's America 250 website reads.

Despite this tribute to military service and national unity, progressive activists backed by wealthy donors and taxpayer-funded groups are orchestrating a nationwide protest to overshadow the Army's milestone with an anti-Trump agenda.

RELATED: White House hammers liberals for gaslighting about LA riots: Burning cities isn't justice — it's chaos

White House prepares for U.S. Army 250th anniversary parade. Photo by Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images

Progressive protests target Army's anniversary

The Indivisible Project, a progressive organization formed in 2016 to counter Trump, and its "pro-democracy partner organizations" announced in early May a nationwide effort to protest the Army's parade.

With thousands of events registered across the U.S., the demonstration, dubbed the "No Kings Nationwide Day of Defiance," aims to steal the spotlight from the historic celebration by mobilizing against "corrupt, authoritarian politics."

The No Kings movement has framed the patriotic event as Trump's "self-aggrandizing $100 million birthday celebration," claiming the president is attempting to use the parade to flex his authoritarian power on the world stage.

However, that framing is misleading, as the parade's date coincides with multiple events: Trump's 79th birthday, the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary, and Flag Day.

When asked about the No Kings protests, Trump responded, “I don't feel like a king. I have to go through hell to get stuff approved.”

The No Kings movement has used alarmism to rally progressives against Trump, spreading unsubstantiated allegations that his administration is guilty of grave abuses, including suppressing free speech, detaining political opponents, threatening to deport American citizens, defying the court, and "disappear[ing] people off the streets."

"President Trump has already indicated that he's aiming for at least a third term," a No Kings host toolkit reads.

The No Kings movement is mobilizing its base with an exaggerated narrative that casts Trump as a menacing authoritarian dictator wielding unchecked power, painting him as a threat that demands urgent action to halt his perceived tyranny.

'All people who show up with guns are not going to be our enemies, and everybody who shows up with one is not going to be at an elevated risk for using their weapon.'

Beyond portraying the military parade as Trump's personal birthday celebration, No Kings is strategically avoiding staging protests in the D.C. area, instead hoping to draw attention away from the parade's venue.

Reclaiming the American flag is key for the movement to succeed in counterprogramming the Army's anniversary event. Those participating in the protests were encouraged to bring the American flag to "reclaim this symbol and remind the world that the freedom we stand for is freedom for all."

RELATED: 250 years after the British invaded my hometown

U.S. Army soldiers prepare for military parade. Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Who's behind the No Kings protest?

The massive coordinated effort further fuels concerns that the recent protests, including those that led to destructive and violent riots in Los Angeles, are funded by activist organizations and left-wing groups with deep pockets.

While Indivisible Project claims it is a "grassroots" movement, advertising the No Kings protests as a "march against authoritarian politics and billionaire takeover," it relies on vast sums from left-leaning tycoons notorious for manipulating elections and movements. These considerable grants and donations enable it to organize the large-scale and synchronized rally while disguising its elite-driven agenda as a people-powered revolt.

Indivisible Project's most recent tax filings reveal that the group reported $12.6 million in revenue in 2023. Indivisible Civics, another 501(c)(3) under Indivisible's mission, reported $5.1 million in revenue in 2023. Combined, the two organizations have over $11 million in assets.

Further shattering Indivisible's "grassroots" claims, George Soros' Open Society Foundations has heavily funded the group, providing $7.2 million in grants since 2018, including $3 million in 2023.

DataRepublican has also linked No Kings' funding to the ACLU and its various local chapters.

Likewise, several local branches of the AFL-CIO, a massive labor union, sponsored the No Kings rallies, including in Minnesota, where Governor Tim Walz is slated to speak, and Kentucky. The AFL-CIO has received millions of dollars in taxpayer funds yearly. The AFL-CIO's Solidarity Center reported receiving $69 million in federal grants in 2023 and another $59 million in 2022.

"AFL-CIO is one of the key taxpayer-funded organizations in effecting regime change all over the world," DataRepublican warned. "That AFL-CIO is openly involved in sponsoring the No Kings rally should raise extreme concerns as to the rally's true purpose."

No Kings' reliance on billionaire backers exposes its hypocrisy, crusading against elite control while embodying the wealth-driven influence it claims to oppose.

RELATED: Billionaire Walmart heiress funds anti-Trump chaos, backs radical 'No Kings' protests

Photo by Paul Weaver/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Meticulous planning and endless resources

Since announcing the protests on May 6, in just over one month, the Indivisible Project and its partners have put together a highly structured plan for the demonstrations, including hosting regularly scheduled virtual meetings with volunteer protesters leading up to the rallies, assigning individuals to take on specific roles during the demonstrations, and providing numerous training and media assets.

Those who signed up to partake in the protests, particularly those volunteering to lead in any capacity, are provided with links to "Know Your Rights Training" hosted by the American Civil Liberties Union, "Safety and Deescalation Training," "Media and Messaging Training," and a 32-page "Peacekeeper Training Workbook."

Protest "hosts" are also provided with an 18-page "toolkit" and a help hotline available 12 hours a day from June 11 through June 14.

A No Kings team reviews and approves each scheduled event within 48 to 72 hours of the initial request. The group anticipates over 2,000 protests across the nation with millions of attendees.

Protesters are assigned to detailed roles for the demonstrations — acting as hosts, safety leads, police liaisons, peacekeepers, and media speakers — and provided coaching on how to show up to the event and respond to various situations.

No Kings' virtual training meetings revealed a sophisticated level of organization.

During a No Kings' "Host Update Call + Marshals Training" meeting on Wednesday evening, organizers provided de-escalation role-play scenarios to teach protesters how to handle hecklers, counterprotesters, and even "somebody on our side" who may try to "incite violent action" by bringing "paint balloons or rocks so that they can encourage other people to throw things."

The presenters also discussed the possibility of protesters and counterprotesters bringing firearms to the demonstrations in open-carry states.

"In an open carry state, you're going to have to really watch how people are showing up. Are they aggravated? Are they wearing a T-shirt that says 'Indivisible' on it? It's going to be subjective," Nadine Bloch, an executive training conductor with Beautiful Trouble, stated on the training call. "All people who show up with guns are not going to be our enemies, and everybody who shows up with one is not going to be at an elevated risk for using their weapon."

'Peaceful protests are part of the fabric of our nation, but Texas will not tolerate the lawlessness we have seen in Los Angeles in response to President Donald Trump's enforcement of immigration law.'

Also during the training call, Stephen Piggott with Princeton University's Bridging Divides Initiative addressed the potential for the presence of counterprotesters.

"We want to emphasize that recent anti-administration protests have remained peaceful, with only isolated incidents of conflict and minimal counterprotester activity. We looked at data from the two most recent nationwide protest days, May Day and the April 5 Hands Off protests. And we found that 99% of these protests — so 1,029 out of the 1,031 — saw no reports of violence or destruction," Piggott stated.

"Only about 4% of those protests — so about 36 of them — actually involved counterdemonstrations or counterprotests," he continued.

He claimed this year's protests have been "very peaceful" with "really not a whole lot of counterdemonstration activity."

Piggott further noted that "actors of concern," such as the Proud Boys and militia groups, have had decreased "offline activity" compared to last year. However, he noted such actors are "paying a bit more attention to the No Kings protest" following the "events in L.A. over the past week."

"What we are not seeing at all is widespread calls from actors of concern to mobilize in response to this weekend," he added.

Although the No Kings movement condemns violence, their training on managing “instigators” reveals organizers’ concerns about disruptions from their own supporters, not conservative "actors of concern," who, as Piggott noted, are less likely to mobilize.

RELATED: Florida sheriff makes clear to radicals that riots won't go their way: 'We will kill you'

Riots in Los Angeles on June 8, 2025. Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images

Response

Legacy media outlets have bolstered No Kings' narrative, depicting the Army's 250th anniversary parade as Trump's authoritarian birthday spectacle and sidelining its patriotic ties to military history and Flag Day.

Following destructive anti-immigration enforcement riots in Los Angeles last week, which saw widespread property damage and arrests, No Kings' timing and the media's amplification of the movement's narrative raise fears of similar escalation.

'If any person assaults a federal law enforcement officer, they risk being prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.'

While the No Kings organizers have repeatedly condemned violence and rioting, others are convinced the gathering, particularly given the large scale of demonstrations, will devolve into lawlessness, raising questions about how Indivisible and its partner organizations plan to prevent such chaos at all of their events.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) is one of the many who believe the demonstrations could result in destruction and violence similar to that which occurred in Los Angeles.

In preparation for the mass gatherings, Abbott announced earlier this week that he would deploy Texas National Guard troops to specific locations in the state to "ensure peace and order."

On Thursday, Abbott deployed over 5,000 Texas National Guard troops and 2,000 state police to prevent potential unrest, following clashes between protesters and law enforcement in Austin and Dallas earlier this week that led to roughly a dozen arrests.

"Peaceful protests are part of the fabric of our nation, but Texas will not tolerate the lawlessness we have seen in Los Angeles in response to President Donald Trump's enforcement of immigration law," Abbott declared. "Anyone engaging in acts of violence or damaging property will be arrested and held accountable to the full extent of the law."

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesperson told Blaze News, "ICE respects the constitutional right of people to peacefully protest; however, assaulting, resisting, impeding, or harassing ICE officers and special agents or interfering in any way as they are executing their official duty is against the law. If any person assaults a federal law enforcement officer, they risk being prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Blaze News senior politics editor Christopher Bedford revealed the broader progressive tactic.

"Everything you're seeing now — from the senator from California lunging through agents at the Secretary of Homeland Security, the rioting in Los Angeles, or the congresswoman assaulting a police officer in New Jersey — all of these things are intentional provocations in the hopes of setting something off and triggering an overreaction because they can't get their own grassroots motivated," Bedford stated.

No Kings, the Indivisible Project, the AFL-CIO, and the ACLU did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Blaze News.

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