A military parade is set to take place in Washington, D.C. to mark President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday and the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary.
The event, hastily added to the Army’s well-planned celebration, has sparked controversy over its cost, timing, and perceived political motivations.
In a contrasting backdrop, nationwide “No Kings” protests are organized to demonstrate opposition to Trump’s policies in hundreds of cities, although D.C. will not host any protests to prevent confrontations.
This week has been particularly tense, with Trump deploying U.S. Marines to Los Angeles to manage protests against aggressive immigration raids.
Additionally, he activated the California National Guard without gubernatorial consent, raising legal concerns and accusations regarding federal overreach.
Scheduled to begin at the Lincoln Memorial at 6:30 PM local time (22:30 GMT), the parade will proceed down Constitution Avenue.
Tight security measures are in place, including fences and armed personnel to monitor the event.
Around 6,200 soldiers will march in the parade, accompanied by 128 military vehicles, including M1 Abrams tanks, and 62 aircraft.
Entertainment will include a parachute jump, a concert featuring Lee Greenwood, and a fireworks display to conclude the evening.
Despite concerns about possible thunderstorms, Trump announced on social media that the event would go ahead “rain or shine.”
The National Weather Service has cautioned that thunderstorms and lightning may lead to delays, with officials prepared for crowd evacuations if necessary.
Criticism of the parade stems from its extensive projected cost of $45 million and worries about the militarization of domestic politics.
Detractors argue that deploying heavy armored vehicles poses a risk to public infrastructure, prompting the Army to implement steel plates along the parade route to protect the roads.
A recent Associated Press-NORC poll revealed that 60 percent of Americans find the parade an unworthy expenditure of public funds.
Among respondents, even 78 percent, who lacked a strong opinion about the parade itself, still disapproved of the associated expenses.
To facilitate the event, snowplows have been dispatched to block traffic on Pennsylvania Avenue, transforming the area into a pedestrian zone filled with food stalls and souvenir vendors.
The atmosphere is festive, featuring fitness competitions, military equipment displays, and a ceremonial cake-cutting.
Civil rights organizations have voiced concerns, alleging that the Trump administration is exploiting military resources to intimidate dissenters.
Protesters in the nationwide rallies oppose Trump’s deeply divisive policies, which they claim infringe upon civil rights and undermine government services.
The organizers of these events have asserted that the administration’s actions—such as sending immigrants to foreign prisons and setting immigration arrest quotas—reflect profound issues regarding governance.
The absence of formal demonstrations in D.C. does not deter organizers of the “No Kings” rallies from criticizing the parade as an act of personal ambition for Trump, rather than a genuine tribute to military service.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly reaffirmed that the parade will continue despite weather concerns or public criticism, although lightning could activate emergency procedures for delays and evacuations.
The military spectacle is structured into historical segments showcasing U.S. Army history, intended to honor its service personnel.
Approximately 200,000 attendees are anticipated for the parade, which will culminate in Trump swearing in 250 new or re-enlisting troops, alongside a dramatic skydiving display by the Army’s Golden Knights.
While the Army asserts that the event is dedicated to heritage and honoring service, critics fear it resembles a politically charged rally, with troops being used as political props.
image source from：https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/14/trumps-military-parade-being-held-amid-no-kings-protests-across-us
