Despite looming thunderstorms, President Trump pressed ahead with Saturday’s military parade in Washington, D.C., marking both his 79th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. Observing from a VIP stand alongside the First Lady, Trump saluted as approximately 6,600 troops, over 100 military vehicles, and 50 aircraft traversed the route along Constitution Avenue, pausing only for safety concerns. The parade began roughly 30 minutes early to beat approaching weather, which briefly delayed proceedings but did not halt the show.
Trump touted the display, asserting that “a rainy day parade brings good luck,” and underscoring the event’s patriotic intent. The celebration included historical reenactments, modern military hardware like tank platoons and drone units, ceremonial flyovers, and culminated in a fireworks display accompanied by “God Bless the USA.”
Estimated to cost between $25 million and $45 million, the event drew both praise and criticism. Supporters highlighted its tribute to military service and national pride, while critics balked at the expense, sparse attendance, and the blurred line between honoring the Army and celebrating the president’s birthday.
As the spectacle unfolded, tens of thousands of “No Kings” protesters rallied in cities nationwide, denouncing what they viewed as authoritarian theatrics. While the mood in Washington remained largely peaceful, some protests elsewhere turned confrontational, prompting police to deploy crowd-control measures.