Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump is set to oversee a grand military parade in the nation’s capital on his 79th birthday this Saturday, a spectacle that coincides with widespread "No Kings" protests across the United States. The event marks the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and is expected to feature nearly 7,000 troops, tanks, and helicopters traversing the streets of Washington, D.C., at a cost that could reach up to $45 million.
This parade fulfills President Trump's long-held ambition for a military display, inspired by his attendance at France's Bastille Day parade in 2017. The showcase will include various military vehicles and historical uniforms, culminating in a parachute display by the Army's Golden Knights, who will present an American flag to President Trump near the White House.
However, the event has sparked controversy, with the "No Kings" movement organizing protests nationwide. The demonstrators, expected to be the largest since President Trump's return to office in January, oppose what they describe as the militarization of democracy and the promotion of a personality cult. Organizers predict millions of participants in over 1,500 cities, including Los Angeles, where significant opposition is expected due to recent troop deployments following immigration enforcement clashes.
Weather forecasts predict potential thunderstorms on Saturday, posing a risk of disruption. Despite this, the U.S. Army announced that the weather is being "closely monitored," while President Trump remains unfazed, stating, "It doesn't affect the tanks at all, it doesn't affect the soldiers. They're used to it. They're tough."
Critics, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, label the parade a "vulgar display of weakness," likening it to events in authoritarian regimes. In Los Angeles, protesters plan to feature large balloons caricaturing President Trump, highlighting dissent over his policies and the parade's taxpayer funding.
This military parade is the largest of its kind in the U.S. since the Gulf War's conclusion in 1991, further intensifying debates over its political implications and cost.
