A Patriotic Salute or Authoritarian Spectacle? Jennings Exposes Left’s Hypocrisy as Trump Honors U.S. Army on Flag Day
A spirited CNN debate turned into a fiery liberal meltdown Monday night when commentator Scott Jennings confronted a panel of progressive pundits with a single, piercing question: “Are you guys against the military parade?”
The segment revolved around President Donald Trump’s announced plans to hold a massive military parade in Washington, D.C. on June 14, 2025, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States Army. Critics immediately latched onto the date, which also happens to be Trump’s birthday, accusing him of self-aggrandizement. But the date also marks the founding of the U.S. Army in 1775 and Flag Day, giving the event deep patriotic resonance.
Blowup on the Panel
CNN anchor Abby Phillip hosted the panel, which featured New York Times columnist Charles Blow, progressive commentator Jemele Hill, and Jason Carter, grandson of former President Jimmy Carter. All three voices erupted in outrage over the idea of showcasing America’s military in a national celebration.
“We don’t need to spend millions on a military parade,” Blow raged. “This is about Trump feeding his inner image monster… strongmen love this stuff.”
But Jennings wasn’t having it.
“Why is it wasteful?” he calmly asked, pointing out that the U.S. government often spends far more on trivial bureaucratic programs. “Are you against the military parade?”
That single question ignited the panel.
Blow doubled down, claiming the display of American military might echoed authoritarian regimes and accusing Trump of using veterans to boost his image.
“Strongmen want to do it because they want to make their citizens cower,” Blow fumed, comparing the parade to Soviet-era propaganda.
Jennings: “Morale Was Down, Recruitment Is Struggling”
Jennings countered with a reminder of the sharp decline in military recruitment and morale under recent left-wing leadership.
“This isn’t about ego. It’s about inspiring the next generation to serve. A parade to honor our troops could boost pride in the armed forces at a time we need it most.”
“And you all are mad about it?” Jennings pressed.
Blow and Carter didn’t let up, even bizarrely blaming the hypothetical appointment of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense as a morale crisis.
“That’s the worst thing you’ve seen?” Jennings responded incredulously.
The Bigger Picture
The controversy surrounding Trump’s parade highlights a growing cultural chasm: Is public celebration of America’s military a unifying patriotic gesture—or a polarizing political stunt?
For the left-wing media, anything tied to Trump is automatically branded as dangerous or authoritarian—even if it honors the very institutions they claim to support.
Jennings’ challenge revealed an uncomfortable truth: the modern left has a credibility problem when it comes to supporting the military, especially when their disdain for Trump blinds them to honoring American service.
With the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary approaching, millions of Americans may see Trump’s parade not as political theater—but as long-overdue recognition of the institution that helped forge American freedom.
