I also didn't expect it to get political, but between a group at Trump Tower, multiple signs calling for England to get out of Ireland, and a few fliers criticizing the police union president, it could get a little tense.
During my visit to last year's parade, there was a crowd of supporters waving flags and banners with "Trump 2024" on them outside Trump Tower's Fifth Avenue entrance. I could sense a bit of unease around the supporters as they were yelling loudly at both paradegoers and marchers, but nothing ever came of it, as far as I witnessed.
There were also multiple signs with the phrase "England Get Out of Ireland," which, according to Irish Central, is the only political sign allowed in the parade proper. I hadn't realized it's been part of the parade for decades.
Also posted throughout the parade were fliers criticizing Patrick Lynch, the then-police union president and an aide to the Parade Grand Marshal. Fliers said he should not be involved in the event. Lynch retired in June 2023.
The union (the Police Benevolent Association of the City of New York) did not respond to a request for comment from Business Insider by the time of publication. Neither did the NYC St. Patrick's Day Parade Organization.