Washington on high alert: What residents and visitors need to know about parade-day security

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As Washington showcases military strength and presidential pomp, a sharply divided nation watches on—some in celebration, many in protest. With security stretched across the capital and tension in the air, the day stands as a potent symbol of America's current crossroads. read more
Members of the US Army gather next to an US Army AH-64 Apache helicopter on display on the National Mall during the Army 250th Anniversary Parade in Washington, DC on June 14, 2025. Image- AFP
Washington D.C. is under a tight security blanket this Saturday as President Donald Trump prepares to preside over a massive military parade marking his 79th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the US Army. The high-profile event comes amid rising political tensions, forecasts of severe weather and nationwide protests rejecting what critics call Trump's authoritarian tendencies.
The city is bracing for possible disruptions—not only from expected thunderstorms but also from the volatile geopolitical backdrop, including ongoing US military involvement in the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. Trump has called it a 'big day for America' on his social media platform, Truth Social.
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Security operation scaled up
In what is considered one of the largest security deployments in recent years, thousands of law enforcement officers from across the country have been called in to secure the event. The Secret Service has mobilised land, air and water units to oversee all aspects of the day.
Matt McCool, special agent in charge of the Secret Service's Washington Field Office, told ABC News that planning began on April 23. 'We've been working diligently, around the clock, to get this plan ready,' he said, noting that events of this scale typically take six months to a year of preparation.
Parade details: Military might on full display
The rare military spectacle, unprecedented since the 1991 Gulf War victory parade, will see nearly 7,000 troops, 150 military vehicles including 28 M1 Abrams tanks, and more than 50 helicopters participate. Apache gunships and Black Hawks are among the aircraft expected to fly over the city.
The route will take parade units past iconic landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, ending near the White House. Soldiers in period uniforms will represent every era of US military history. The day will conclude with a dramatic parachute drop by the US Army's Golden Knights, who will present Trump with an American flag in honour of Flag Day.
Weather warnings loom
However, the parade faces a different kind of threat—thunderstorms forecast for the day. The US Army said Friday that it is monitoring the weather closely, but 'at this point nothing has changed.' Trump, undeterred, wrote on Truth Social: 'Our great military parade is on, rain or shine. Remember, a rainy-day parade brings good luck. I'll see you all in DC.'
Nationwide backlash: 'No Kings' protests gain momentum
As Trump celebrates with military fanfare in the capital, millions are expected to rally in over 1,500 cities across the country under the banner of the 'No Kings' movement. Organisers describe the demonstrations as a rejection of 'authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics, and the militarisation of our democracy.'
Though no formal rally is scheduled in Washington itself, intentionally to avoid clashes and to focus attention on local protests, mass mobilisations are expected in cities including New York, Houston, Philadelphia, Seattle, Atlanta and Trump's residence in Palm Beach, Florida. Even Paris has seen a small demonstration.
In Los Angeles, where tensions are already high following federal immigration raids and the deployment of troops without state consent, 25,000 protesters are expected. Organisers say massive balloons depicting Trump in a diaper and dressed in Russian military garb will take centre stage.
Divided opinions and political fallout
Critics have condemned the taxpayer-funded event as a vanity project. California Governor Gavin Newsom called it a 'vulgar display of weakness,' likening the celebration to the military parades seen in North Korea. 'To fete the Dear Leader on his birthday? What an embarrassment,' he said on Thursday.
'No Kings' organisers echoed that sentiment, calling the parade 'a self-aggrandising spectacle' staged while Americans are told there's no money for basic public needs.
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A new NBC News poll released Saturday found that 64% of Americans oppose using government funds for the military parade.