Trump’s $45M military parade faces protests, thunderstorms, and bipartisan criticism
Over 6,000 troops will march in Washington, D.C. as Donald Trump turns 79 amid Iran aid, immigration unrest, and protests.
A large-scale military parade organized by President Donald Trump is set to take place this Saturday in Washington, D.C., aligning with the Army’s 250th anniversary and the president’s 79th birthday. More than 6,000 service members, armored vehicles, and military aircraft will participate in the first national display of this scale since the 1991 Gulf War victory celebration.
But the event is under pressure from multiple fronts. Weather forecasts predict possible thunderstorms that could disrupt the evening proceedings, while coordinated protests across the country, many under the slogan “No kings” aim to challenge what critics say is a politicized show of force. The parade also follows controversial troop deployments linked to immigration enforcement and U.S. military support to Israel.
Parade draws fire over timing, cost, and message
The parade follows just one day after the U.S. started to help Israel with intercepting Iranian missiles, and just before Trump sent National Guard and Marine troops to California to deal with protests regarding immigration raids. Democratic lawmakers were critical of the use of troops without a request from the governor. Sen. Patty Murray called it "unconstitutional" and warned about using the military against American citizens.
The parade is expensive, too. Estimates say it could cost up to $45 million, which has angered both Democrats and Republicans in Congress. Sen. Rand Paul said it looks like one of the Cold War parades he saw in North Korea or the Soviet Union. Sen. John Kennedy said, "We are a lion. A lion doesn’t have to tell you that it is a lion."
Military sentiment and public pushback
Retired Rear Admiral Ken Carodine stated that many of the troops involved in the parade do not support it, but they must follow the orders they are given. “Most of them would just as soon not be doing it,” he said. Carodine also wondered why there wasn’t a parade for veterans returning from Afghanistan. “That would have made a lot more sense than what we’re doing tomorrow,” he said.
New polling from NBC News released on Saturday indicates that 64% of American adults disapprove of the parade, as many think it is ego-driven rather than a national celebration. Despite the growing discontent, Trump defended the event, stating that it’s “a celebration of the Army, actually,” and dismissed the assertions that the parade is about him.
