An emerging internet theory claims that soldiers intentionally marched out of step during President Donald Trump's military parade in silent protest.
On Saturday, June 14, Trump celebrated his 79th birthday alongside the United States Army, which marked its 250th year with a parade of soldiers, tanks, and fighter jets through Washington D.C. Leading up to the celebration, the estimated $40 million budget and propriety of the military parade faced heavy scrutiny, but in its wake, attention has shifted to the event's modest attendance, yawning spectators, and troops of soldiers with varying, sluggish steps.
While some criticized the lackluster march as an embarrassing reflection on the U.S. military, others suggest it was a deliberate rebellion.
"You see how the army looked like sh-- marching...It wasn't even marching...just walking out of step, arms swinging however?" TikTok creator Nicque Marina said. "Yeah. That was a f---ing protest."
@nicquemarina That was a protest haha #military #airforce #army #nicquemarina ♬ original sound - Nicque Marina
Marina discussed her service in the air force where she led squadrons in drill and ceremonies, which she said were thoroughly rehearsed and subject to inspection.
"Drill and ceremonies is no joke, especially when it comes to a parades — rehearsed meticulously," she continued. "If a flight of trainees marched like that Lackland Air Force Base... the fire! The brimstone! The absolute rage that would befall them! Their TI [training instructor] would scream so hard at them they would throw out their back."
@just_another_genxer Marching out of step is a form of mass protest and rebellion in the military. They knew it would go unnoticed by the draft dodger in chief. These heroes knew exactly what they were doing. #veteransagainsttrump #nokings ♬ original sound - socialmediasteve
Navy veteran @socialmediasteve posted video of the march and echoed the theory. "Marching out of step is a form of rebellion in the military," he wrote in the caption. "They knew it would go unnoticed by the draft dodger in chief."
Outside of Washington D.C., thousands of No Kings protests swept the nation, with millions participating in peaceful demonstrations against the Trump administration and authoritarianism in government. Many users online speculated that the out of step soldiers were quietly participating in the only way they could.
Another creator, @the.lucy.sauceda, joined in. "All of the branches of the military march with precision....the rehearsal for Trump's Military Parade was flawless," she wrote in the caption of the same footage. "However, the silent protest [during the SAME DAY as the "No King's" protests being held nationwide] was heard LOUD AND CLEAR."
"You can literally see them slowing down and speeding up again to keep out of sync...they UNDERSTOOD THE ASSIGNMENT!!" she added.
Commenters agreed. "Yup, this was peak malicious compliance," a reply to Marina read.
"My dad is a retired colonel and he IMMEDIATELY was like, 'wtf are they doing??'" the daughter of a vet said, with another adding, "I'm laughing so much because both my parents saw it and screamed 'malicious compliance!!!!'"
"I was in ROTC in high school. This was 35 years ago and I still know how to march. I saw that and was like, 'Oh, they HATE HIM!!'" a user wrote.
"I'm an Army Veteran," another chimed in. "That was 100% protest. Drill and ceremony is literal muscle memory to a soldier."
"It was the 'I have to be here' march, not the 'I'm proud to be here' march," a user commented. Another added, "It's giving my mom made me come here."
Plenty of comments were statements of gratitude. One said, "To all those that wear the uniform to serve and protect this country, that chose to silent protest, we heard you and we are so grateful for you."
"I love this so much I'm starting to tear up," wrote another. "They know who they are fighting for."
Others were worried about the consequences. "All jokes aside, I hope they don't get in trouble," a TikToker commented, another said, "This was a brave act. They will feel repercussions for this."
No official comment has been offered on the substandard march. On Sunday, Trump declared the parade a "tremendous success."
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