The grand military parade that President Donald Trump had been wanting for years went down Constitution Avenue on Saturday (June 14). The display featured tanks, troops and a 21-gun salute. Ahead and during the event, “No Kings” protests were going down around the country, and in Canada. Hundreds gathered to speak out against normalizing Trump as a dictator or would-be king. Meanwhile, on his 79th birthday, the Republican president sat on a special viewing stand south of the White House to watch the military parade.
RELATED: Wayment! Elon Musk Hits Reverse After Throwing MAJOR Shade At President Donald Trump On Social Media
Details About President Trump’s Military Parade
The military parade began early and moved swiftly as light rain fell and dark clouds shrouded the Washington Monument. It was a W for Trump, who wanted to host the display during his first term after seeing such an event in Paris in 2017. However, the plans never came together. The parade was added just a few weeks ago to the planned celebration of the Army’s 250th birthday.
But, the event has drawn criticism for its price tag of up to $45 million and the possibility that the lumbering tanks could tear up city streets. The Army took various steps to protect the streets, including laying metal plates along the route.
The procession featured more than 6,000 soldiers, 50 helicopters, and 128 Army tanks. Above, the Army’s Golden Knights parachute team appeared in the overcast sky, descending toward the reviewing stand. Their display was scheduled for the end of the parade but moved up due to rain sprinkles.
Also, a flyover of military aircraft included World War II-era planes, and army helicopters flew low over the crowd. Mounted soldiers from the 1st Cavalry Division made an appearance. The night was also to include a concert featuring ‘God Bless the U.S.A.’ singer Lee Greenwood and fireworks.
At times on Saturday, Associated Press reports that Trump stood and saluted as troops marched past the reviewing stand. He had brushed off the possibility of weather or protest disruptions. In a social media post Saturday morning, he said the “great military parade” would be on “rain or shine.” The protests, he said earlier, “will be met with very big force.” Trump is expected to swear in 250 new or reenlisting troops at the military parade.
“No Kings” Protestors Take Over Major U.S. Cities
Hours before the military parade started, demonstrators turned out in streets and parks around the nation to sound off against the Republican president. “No Kings” protests called out what they called Trump’s plans to feed his ego on his 79th birthday and flag day. Organizers said they picked the name to support democracy. It was also meant to speak out against what they call the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration.
Recently, Trump has also shown his willingness to use the nation’s military might in ways other U.S. presidents have typically avoided. In the last week, he has activated the California National Guard without the governor’s permission. Additionally, he dispatched the U.S. Marines to provide security during Los Angeles protests related to immigration raids. There’s a state lawsuit to stop the deployments.
Earlier this week, President Donald Trump raised eyebrows during a speech at Fort Bragg. At the event, members of the 82nd Airborne Division were directed to stand behind Trump. Some of them booed and cheered during his incendiary remarks, including slander of his predecessor, Joe Biden.
There was also a pop-up “Make America Great Again” merchandise stand nearby selling souvenirs to troops in uniform. However, the Defense Department has a doctrine that prohibits troops from participating in political activity while in uniform. Members of Congress and military leaders have expressed concerns about the political displays during the speech at Fort Bragg.
RELATED: Donald Trump Says He’s Considering An Executive Order To Alter Immigration Crackdown Amid Labor Shortage Concerns
Associated Press writers Lolita C. Baldor, Eric Tucker, Michelle L. Price, Nathan Ellgren, Lea Skene, Olivia Diaz, Joey Cappelletti, Ashraf Khalil and Tara Copp contributed to this report via AP Newsroom.
