Trump’s feel-good parade marks a turning point for America

Op-ed views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author.

Sunday, June 14, 2025, may go down in history as the night America’s national mood finally began to shift. After years of bitterness, division, and unrest, something changed. It wasn’t just a parade—it was a turning point. The celebration, led by President Trump and marking the beginning of America’s 250th birthday year, gave Americans something they hadn’t felt in a long time: pride.

Ironically, the day was not without protest. Across the country, small but vocal groups gathered to oppose what they see as President Trump’s “abrupt changes.” But those changes—rooted in commonsense values and long-overdue reforms—are exactly what he promised the American people when they elected him. And despite the protests, the larger sentiment among Americans was clear: hope.

Trump understands something that too many career politicians have forgotten—America’s strength comes from its principles, not from bureaucratic entanglement or political theater. For the past few decades, the nation drifted away from the values that made it the most prosperous and free society in human history. The celebration on June 14 reminded the country of that greatness.

The parade proudly displayed America’s military heritage—a reminder of how we have repeatedly overcome impossible odds. From the Revolution to World War II to the Cold War and beyond, America has never backed down when liberty was at stake. That fighting spirit built the world’s strongest economy and highest standard of living. But over the past few years, that legacy was eroded.

One of Trump’s first acts upon returning to office was to re-establish national security, starting at the southern border. More than 12 million people had entered the country illegally in recent years, most without vetting. Among them were criminals fleeing prosecution in their home countries. The American people felt unsafe, and with good reason.

In a matter of weeks, Trump reversed years of weak immigration policy and secured the border more effectively than any administration before him. He then began the difficult but necessary task of deporting those here illegally, starting with individuals with known criminal records. Despite resistance from the political opposition, activist judges, and a hostile media, Trump pushed forward. Thousands of dangerous criminals are already gone, and more will follow.

The critics may be loud, but the American people are behind him. They want a country that enforces its laws and protects its citizens. They want a government that works for them, not against them.

Economically, Americans have endured years of hardship. Under previous leadership, inflation surged faster than wages. Grocery bills, rent, energy costs—all climbed higher while incomes stagnated. The result was a loss in real purchasing power and a sharp decline in the standard of living for everyday families.

People are angry—and not without cause. They sense that the institutions once trusted to serve the public have turned into machines of political control. Congress is deeply unpopular. Courts are seen as partisan tools. Americans increasingly believe that elites with radical views are forcing their agendas on a reluctant majority.

Trump’s return to office has been about more than policy—it’s been about restoring sanity. He is reuniting the country around values that transcend party lines: law and order, economic opportunity, strong families, and national pride. These are the ideas that built America, and they are the only ideas that can rebuild it.

As the nation watched Sunday’s parade, something shifted. For the first time in years, Americans didn’t just hear about what’s wrong with their country—they heard about what’s right. They were reminded of the achievements, the sacrifices, and the values that define the American story.

This was only the beginning. Over the next year, the administration is planning a series of events leading up to the formal celebration of America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026. Between now and then, expect to see more progress.

Trump’s economic policy—especially his bold tariff initiatives—will drive a new era of “Made in America” pride. High-tech manufacturing is poised for a comeback. Red tape that has choked small businesses and innovators for years is being cut. The result? Economic growth, job creation, and real opportunity for working Americans.

On the global stage, Trump is again pursuing a doctrine of “peace through strength.” Where previous leaders waffled, he leads with clarity. The goal is not endless conflict, but lasting peace—peace earned through deterrence and respect, not appeasement.

By the time America turns 250, the transformation will be undeniable. The country will be safer, stronger, more united—and yes, prouder. That process began on June 14, 2025.

It was more than just a parade. It was a reawakening. For the first time in a long time, Americans felt good about being American.

Dr. Michael Busler, Ph.D. is a public policy analyst and a Professor of Finance at Stockton University where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in Finance and Economics.

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