MSNBC hosts Ali Velshi and Chris Hayes expressed mild surprise at the relatively peaceful and celebratory mood surrounding a military parade in the nation’s capital, marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. The event also coincided with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.
Speaking live from the National Mall, Hayes commented on the difference in tone compared to past Trump rallies.
“You and I have both been at Trump rallies,” Hayes said to Velshi. “Those can be very tense… a kind of, I would say, dark, malevolent energy sometimes. Not always. But it doesn’t seem like that’s the energy on the Mall today, which I think is a good sign, right?”
Velshi agreed, noting a stark contrast to the often high-strung and confrontational energy of Trump political events.
“Correct. You’re really correct about that, Chris,” he responded. “I’m just sort of surprised by the number of people at the front of the parade watching, cheering, and then asking to take selfies. This is a very different mood. People seem to be going out of their way to say they’re here to celebrate the Army’s 250th birthday.”
While Velshi acknowledged there was still some politicization present at the event, he emphasized that it lacked the tension typically associated with Trump rallies.
“There are people walking around with signs. A guy just came around and said, ‘Trump 2028!’ and I said, ‘How does that work exactly?’ He laughed and had a big flag. So yes, there’s some politicization, but it’s not dark, not tense, not amped up.”
Elsewhere in the broadcast, Hayes remarked on the broader national mood, citing “exuberant” protests occurring in small towns across the country in response to Trump administration policies. Thousands were expected to rally nationwide to counter the president’s involvement in the parade.
MSNBC host Jen Psaki, also appearing on the segment, said she found it “encouraging” to hear that the event was calm and not overly agitated. However, she noted that the mood could shift depending on what Trump said during his speech at the parade.
“There’s sort of a feeling of hope,” Hayes added. “Our civic and democratic culture is actually quite strong… an enormous asset when we compare ourselves to other places. I think most Americans still hang on to that.”
