Trump's Military Parade Faces 'No Kings' Protests & Weather Woes
Washington DC was gearing up to host a grand military parade on Saturday, coinciding with the US Army's 250th anniversary and President Donald Trump's 79th birthday. However, the event faced significant challenges from both political opposition and potentially adverse weather conditions.
'No Kings' Protests Planned Nationwide
Simultaneously, a wave of 'No Kings' protests was scheduled across more than 1,500 cities in the US. Organizers aimed to showcase a "nationwide day of defiance" against alleged government corruption. These demonstrations added a layer of political tension to the already controversial military display.
Parade Details and Cost
The planned parade was estimated to cost between $25 million and $45 million. It was set to feature over 7,000 uniformed soldiers, tanks, military vehicles, marching bands, and a fireworks show. President Trump had declared it would be "like no other," harking back to the last major military parade in 1991 following the Gulf War.
Weather Concerns Threaten Cancellation
Adding another layer of complexity, thunderstorms were predicted for the area, raising concerns about the safety of participants and spectators. An Army spokesman told The Times that safety was paramount, and the parade could potentially be cancelled if the weather posed a significant risk.
The situation remains fluid, with organizers closely monitoring the weather forecast while dealing with the planned protests. Whether the parade proceeds as planned, is scaled back, or cancelled altogether remains to be seen. The event has already sparked considerable debate, reflecting the deeply polarized political climate in the United States.
- Protests in 1500+ cities
- Parade cost: $25-$45 million
- Possible cancellation due to thunderstorms