The US Army’s 250th anniversary celebration, marked by a massive military parade in Washington, DC, coincides with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday and has triggered protests, safety warnings, arrests, and backlash across the country.
Military parade moves ahead despite storm threat
The White House says the parade will proceed “rain or shine”, but thunderstorms and possible lightning may delay events. A flood watch is in effect across the capital until 2 pm, and the National Weather Service has warned that as much as 3 inches of rain could fall within a short span.
President Trump posted on Truth Social: “OUR GREAT MILITARY PARADE IS ON, RAIN OR SHINE. REMEMBER, A RAINY DAY PARADE BRINGS GOOD LUCK.”
The parade features 6,600 soldiers, M1 Abrams tanks, Apache helicopters, and other military gear, with attendance expected to reach 200,000. Estimated costs range between $25 million and $45 million.
'No Kings' protests erupt nationwide
As the parade begins, anti-Trump protests branded “No Kings” are taking place in hundreds of U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. The protests stem from outrage over Trump’s immigration raids and recent deployment of National Guard and U.S. Marines to Democratic-run cities — actions widely criticized as federal overreach.
In Atlanta, 5,000 protesters filled Liberty Plaza. “There’s just so much going on in this country that’s not OK,” said a woman named Taylar W., holding a sign that read: “When cruelty becomes normal, compassion looks radical.”
In Philadelphia, District Attorney Larry Krasner warned ICE agents: “You will be prosecuted” if you violate state laws or deny due process during raids.
Veterans arrested for sit-in outside Capitol
On Friday, nearly 60 members of Veterans for Peace were arrested in Washington after crossing police lines near the U.S. Capitol. The group planned a sit-in opposing the militarisation of city streets and use of armed forces in domestic protests.
An AP-NORC poll shows that 6 in 10 Americans believe the parade is not a good use of taxpayer money. While about 40% approve of the parade, 78% of those who remain neutral also say it’s not worth the expense.
Streets turn festive amid tight security
Pennsylvania Avenue has been transformed into a pedestrian zone with vendors, food stalls, souvenir shops, and live music stages. Heavy-duty snowplows and metal barriers block traffic, while metal plating protects the roads from tank damage.
Parade day schedule highlights
- 9:30 am: Army fitness competition
- 11 am: Birthday Festival, meet soldiers, Medal of Honor recipients
- 1 pm: Livestream workout from the ISS
- 4:15 pm: Official ceremony, cake cutting
- 6:30 pm: Parade begins
- 8 pm: Enlistment ceremony, concert, and fireworks
Cities are bracing for more protests throughout the day, while Trump maintains the parade is “a proud moment for America’s armed forces.”
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