As former President Donald Trump prepares to headline a massive military parade in Washington, D.C., this weekend—complete with tanks, flyovers, and a price tag north of $40 million—Democrats are rolling out a quieter, yet pointed, counterprogram in the heartland.
Former Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough will host a town hall in Minnesota on Friday night as part of the Democratic National Committee’s “People’s Town Hall” series.
Set in the Twin Cities and joined by Rep. Kelly Morrison, D-Minn., the event is aimed at uplifting veterans' voices and drawing attention to what Democrats call a looming threat to veterans' care under the Trump-aligned VA leadership.
“The event is designed to honor our military members and veterans and protect the care they so bravely earned,” DNC officials said in a statement.
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The timing is no accident. Trump’s parade, marking the Army’s 250th anniversary, will take place on his birthday and feature what he promises will be “thousands and thousands of soldiers” along with “a lot of those Army airplanes flying over the top, and tanks all over the place.”
While Army officials insist the parade is simply an educational celebration of Army history, critics—including many veterans’ advocates—say the spectacle smacks of authoritarian chest-thumping.
Local D.C. officials have raised alarms about the strain the heavy military vehicles may place on the city’s aging infrastructure, and the estimated $40 million cost has further fueled criticism.
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Trump’s detractors have likened the event to parades held by foreign strongmen—a comparison that only intensifies political tensions.
But in Minnesota, the mood will be less celebratory and more somber.
Denis McDonough, who served all four years of President Joe Biden’s term as VA Secretary before stepping down in January, has remained largely out of the public spotlight since leaving office.
His reemergence signals concern over the direction of veterans’ policy under the current administration.
Before leading the VA, McDonough held top roles in the Obama administration, including White House Chief of Staff and Deputy National Security Advisor.
His policy credentials and longstanding ties to military families make him a credible and influential voice at a time when veterans’ services appear to be on the chopping block.
Indeed, much of the town hall is expected to center around new cost-cutting proposals from current VA Secretary Doug Collins.
The Trump-aligned Cabinet member has floated a plan to slash more than 80,000 jobs from the department—a move that would amount to a 15% workforce reduction.
Democrats are sounding the alarm.
“Veterans earned their care and benefits with their service,” said Rep. Kelly Morrison, who is slated to speak at the Minnesota town hall.
“This isn’t just about jobs—it’s about honor, promises kept, and the basic decency of a nation that supports those who wore the uniform.”
Collins has pushed back against accusations that his plan would gut services, insisting that front-line staff would be protected from cuts.
But Democrats remain unconvinced, pointing out that a slash of this magnitude is bound to hit core operations—whether officially designated “front-line” or not.
The DNC has stopped short of calling for formal protests during the D.C. parade, but law enforcement in the nation’s capital is preparing for demonstrations.
At a time when many Americans are focused on inflation and healthcare, the decision to spend tens of millions on a one-day show of military force is proving politically polarizing.
Tens of thousands of tourists are expected to descend on Washington for the spectacle, which will unfurl just steps from the White House.
For many Trump supporters, the parade is a proud patriotic celebration.
For critics, it’s an expensive distraction and a distortion of military values.
By contrast, the Minnesota town hall will offer a more grounded tribute to those who’ve served—centered on policy, care, and accountability.
“We believe the best way to honor veterans is to listen to them, support them, and make sure their benefits are never in jeopardy,” the DNC said in its statement.
As the country heads into a weekend filled with flags and fanfare, two visions of military appreciation will be on display: one built on spectacle, the other on substance.
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