Grand Military ParadePresident Donald Trump, who hoped to have kicked out the tank, military and 21 guns for eight years on Saturday, faced off against protesters across the country who denounced the American leader as dictator and king.
The Republican president began early on his 79th birthday when bright rain fell and dark clouds loomed to see an exhibition of American military power, sitting in a special viewing stand south of the White House. That’s the procession Trump tried to make a comeback in his first term after seeing such an event in Paris in 2017, but the plan didn’t come together until this year, when it was added to an event that recognized the Army’s 250th anniversary.
Hours before the parade began, demonstrators were found on streets and parks around the country to condemn Republican presidents as dictators or kings.
They criticized Trump for using the military to respondPeople protesting his efforts to expel the countryAnd thousands of marching forces and military aircraft head out for a show in the US capital to send tanks.
In Washington, anti-war protesters spread signs that they said they weren’t far from the equipment of armored vehicles, helicopters and military grade equipment installed to commemorate the military’s birthday. Vendors outside the festival sold gear marking military milestones. Others hakked card themed products.
Doug Haynes, a Navy veteran who voted for Trump, attended the day’s festivities to celebrate the Army’s 250th birthday, but later said the scheduled parade was “a little up to the top.”
Pointing to nearby tanks, Haynes said rolling them down the street was “probably a very bold statement to the world.”
The military procession was set to depart from the Lincoln Memorial later on Saturday.
Trump dispelled both possible confusion and said in a social media post on Saturday morning that the “massive military parade” was in “rain or shine.” The protests “will be met with a great deal of force,” he said. Hours ahead of the parade, a crowd of protesters with anti-Trump signs marched towards the White House, escorting them on bicycles by police vehicles and officers. Some have a huge banner that says, “Trump has to go now.”
The parade was added to a planned Army birthday celebration a few weeks ago, attracting criticism over price tags of up to $45 million and the possibility that sawmills could tear down city streets. The army took itVarious stepsTo protect the street, such as by laying metal plates along the route.
About six in 10 Americans said Saturday’s parade was “not working” for government money. The vast majority of people, 78%, said they would not approve or disapprove the parade overall, according to a vote from. Associated Press-NORC Civil Service Research Center.
The day’s exhibit for the US military comes as Trump showed his willingness to use the country’s military power in a way that other US presidents normally avoided. Last week he was revitalizedCalifornia National Guard without the Governor’s permissionHe then sent US Marines to provide security during the Los Angeles protests related to the immigrant raid, urging state lawsuits to stop the deployment.
He similarly said he wanted to project military power during his first presidential term, saying that in 2020 he wanted to “control” the city following a violent protest of racial justice, and warns him that he was ready to send active-duty fighters if the state had not called the National Guard.
Earlier this week, Trump raised an eyebrow between aSpeech at Fort BraggMembers of the 82nd Airborne division, who were instructed to stand behind Trump, booed,Cheers were raised during his japan Cen remarksincluding the accusation of his predecessor, Joe Biden. There is also a pop-up for “Make America Great Again” where souvenirs are sold to uniformed squads nearby.
The Department of Defense has a doctrine that prohibits the military from participating in political activities while wearing uniforms. Congressional members and military leaders have expressed concern about the political exhibit during their speech at Fort Bragg.
Saturday’s pageantry was designed to greatly satisfy Trump’s expressed desiresThe parade he tried to accomplish in his first semesterAfter seeing it in Paris on Bastile Day 2017. Trump said he wanted something even more spectacular in Washington after seeing the two-hour procession along the famous champion Elises.
Saturday’s event will include around 6,600 soldiers, 50 helicopters and 60 tons.M1 Abrams Battle TanksimilarlyProbably 200,000 participantsWe’ve increased matching security.
The parade gets caught up in the constitutional convention, with security fencing and barriers. Army helicopters and aircraft fly over, and the march is concluded by a parachute jump, a concert featuring “God Bless the USA” singer Lee Greenwood and fireworks.
It was unclear whether the protest would disrupt the parade, but hundreds of demonstrators gathered hours ago. Officials say there are no indications of a security threat.
“No King” meeting– Organizers chose their names to support democracy and oppose what is called authoritarian actions of the Trump administration –Expands in hundreds of cities– What the organizers said was to say was Trump’s plan to feed his ego on his 79th birthday and on the flag day.
Prior to the rally, about 200 protesters marched towards the White House on Saturday afternoon, where around 200 protesters gathered in Logan Circle in northwestern Washington, handing out autographs and dancing to fun music from local street bands, including “This Land Is Your Land.”
The mood was a celebration as the group chanted “Trump has to go now” before gushing with cheers.
The puppets that were bigger than the Trump creatures were moved around in the crowd. The president is sitting in a golden toilet wearing a crown.
Other protesters waving the flag of pride and lifting the signs. Some have pointed messages like “favour crushed ice” referring to immigration and customs enforcement. Other messages are: “The invasion was here on January 6th, not LA,” and “If you’re a fascist, I’ll turn me over.”
If the rain fell, thunderstorms could interrupt the parade.
The Army expects as many as 200,000 people will be able to participate in the festival and parade.
The parade is scheduled to begin at 6:30pm on the EDT, but some of its carriages, starting with the Pentagon, heading over the bridge, where they will meet heavier tanks and gear. Authorities didn’t want more than 60 tonnes of M1A1 Abrams tanks and striker cars across the bridge.
Up until that moment, the march is divided into sections by history – with full dress equipment and troops for each period.
It includes a total of 6,169 soldiers and 128 army tanks, armored personnel and artillery, with 62 aircraft that can fly overhead.
At the end of the parade, Trump vows with 250 new or re-enrolled troops, with the Army Golden Knights parachute team diving into the mall. Then there will be a concert and fireworks.
This story was originally featured on Fortune.com.
