Democratic Senator Insisting US Army is 'Not an Occupying Force' After Trump's Military Parade Mocked Online: 'California Might Disagree'

Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman pushed back against critics of the recent U.S. Army military parade, insisting that American troops are "not an occupying force," even as mockery of the event spread online and tensions within his own party continued to escalate.

The military parade in Washington, D.C., organized to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and President Donald Trump's 79th birthday on Saturday, was met with ridicule on social media and during nationwide "No Kings" protests.

Activists criticized the display as authoritarian, comparing it to parades in fascist regimes. In light of the backlash, some Democrats, including Fetterman's constituents in Pennsylvania, condemned him for defending the parade and for his absence at local protests.

On Fox News' "America's Newsroom," Fetterman dismissed comparisons of the parade to Nazi demonstrations, calling them "crazy," and reminded viewers that the soldiers marching were American service members, not symbols of tyranny.

"That's our military. They were not goose-stepping. They were enjoying themselves. It wasn't a dictatorship—it was a celebration," he said.

Still, critics online seized on his remarks. Several posts mocked Fetterman's claim that the U.S. Army is "not an occupying force," with many pointing to recent military deployments in California.

"California might disagree," wrote one user, referencing Trump's controversial use of National Guard troops and the Marines to help quell anti-ICE protests. Another added, "LA downtown may have a word."

Others were more biting, with one post saying, "Then why are they being deployed on our own citizens??" Another added, "Um, what do you call LA, Senator?"

Fetterman's defense of the parade and his growing political independence have fueled criticism from within the Democratic base. Protesters in Philadelphia booed him during the June 15 "No Kings" demonstration, accusing him of ignoring key progressive causes.

Meanwhile, Republicans have taken the opportunity to praise Fetterman's defiance of party orthodoxy, with some defending him against Democratic attacks.