Trump Confirms Military Parade Will Proceed 'Rain or Shine'
US President Donald Trump has affirmed that the grand military parade scheduled in Washington, DC, to mark the US Army's 250th anniversary will take place as planned, despite forecasts of severe weather. Announcing on social media, Trump emphasized, "OUR GREAT MILITARY PARADE IS ON, RAIN OR SHINE. REMEMBER, A RAINY DAY PARADE BRINGS GOOD LUCK." The event also coincides with his 79th birthday.
What to Expect at the Spectacle
The parade promises a formidable display of American military strength featuring nearly 7,000 troops, more than 150 military vehicles including 28 Abrams tanks, 56 armored vehicles, and over 50 helicopters. This lavish celebration is expected to cost up to $45 million. Despite earlier Pentagon resistance during Trump’s first term, he has now managed to push forward with his vision under a government aligned with his leadership.
Weather and Global Tensions Cast Shadows on Celebrations
Saturday’s grand display faces challenges beyond political disagreements. Washington is under threat of heavy rain and thunderstorms, with flood warnings in effect. Officials continue to monitor conditions closely, but the parade remains scheduled to go ahead.
Simultaneously, global tensions simmer as US-backed Israeli forces target Iranian nuclear sites, triggering Iranian retaliations and raising fears of escalation. US military support in the region continues amid these heightened uncertainties.
Nationwide Protests Challenge the Parade
As the parade makes its way past iconic landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, planned protests under the banner “No Kings Day” are expected in nearly 2,000 cities around the US and even extending internationally to Paris.
Demonstrators condemn what they call Trump’s “authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics, and militarization of democracy.” In Los Angeles, some of the largest protests will feature provocative visuals, including giant balloons depicting Trump in a diaper and wearing a Russian military uniform.
California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the event as a “vulgar display of weakness,” likening it to North Korea’s military spectacles. Meanwhile, Trump has vowed a tough response, warning that any attempts to disrupt the parade will face “very big force.”
Mixed Public Reactions and Debate Over Costs
Trump has hailed the march as “a big day for America,” but public opinion remains sharply divided. A recent poll indicated that 64% of Americans oppose the use of taxpayer dollars to fund this expensive extravaganza.
Even among Republicans, criticism has emerged over the $45 million price tag and the necessity of such a costly event. Trump, however, insists the expenditure is justified, calling it “peanuts compared to the value of doing it.”
Grand Finale and Symbolic Gesture
The parade is set to conclude with the US Army’s Golden Knights conducting a parachute drop, delivering a US flag to President Trump on Flag Day. For the president, this event is much more than a birthday celebration—it’s a bold statement showcasing America’s military might.
