Army 250th anniversary parade: Trump arrives for tanks, troops on DC streets: Live updates

Yahoo

9 hours ago

WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump's controversial and expensive military parade in Washington D.C. kicked off 30 minutes earlier than expected - with rain thunderstorms in the forecast for later in the night.
A 21-gun salute and a performance of 'Hail to the Chief' welcomed the president and first lady Melania Trump and officially started the parade, which is expected to last about 90 minutes. An evening fireworks celebration on the National Mall will take place after the parade.
The parade, which falls on Trump's 79th birthday, showcases the might of the military as tanks, armored vehicles and thousands of soldiers mark the Army's 250th anniversary. It also comes as the country is reeling after a Minnesota lawmaker and her husband were killed, and another state lawmaker and his wife were injured, in a pair of politically motivated shootings earlier in the day.
While leaving the White House to attend the parade, Trump told reporters the Minnesota shooting was "absolutely terrible." In a statement on social media earlier in the day, the president vowed the shooter will be prosecuted "to the fullest extent of the law." He said the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation are investigating the situation.
More: Suspect identified in Minnesota lawmakers shooting: Updates
In the evening parade in Washington, helicopters and World War II-era warplanes are flying overhead and Army parachutists soaring down to the White House's ellipse, where Trump is presiding from a presidential booth alongside his wife and family, members of his Cabinet, GOP lawmakers, singer Lee Greenwood and Ultimate Fight Championship CEO Dana White. A day-long program of Army-organized activities and music took place before the parade on the National Mall in Washington.
More: 'No Kings' protests updates: Rallies wind down in Philadelphia, Los Angeles and DC
Critics say the $40 million parade represents a politicization of the military and bears resemblance to military parades held by North Korea or Russia. Thousands of "No Kings" protests against Trump, the parade, and his ongoing immigration crackdown are also taking place across the country.
Soldiers dressed in Gulf War-era uniforms marched by the president in a display that also included military tanks instrumental in the war to liberate Kuwait.
The tanks were part of the Desert Storm operation led by President George H.W. Bush in 1991.
Soldiers from the global war on terror following the 9/11 terrorist attacks - which included military campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan - were showcased next. The parade included a tank from that period of warfare.
- Joey Garrison
A narrator for the parade announced the cryptocurrency exchange company Coinbase as a sponsor of the parade, which has included soldiers from all military eras honoring the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army
Trump has developed a cozy relationship with the crypto industry - and his latest financial disclosure form released June 13 showed its also made him tens of millions of dollars.
In May, Trump hosted about 220 investors who plowed a combined $148 million into his crypto venture. The dinner was a reward for making the leaderboard in a contest to be among the top purchasers of the $TRUMP meme coin, a type of cryptocurrency.
- Joey Garrison
Trump watched and saluted as military members depicting soldiers from World War I and later World War II made their way past his stage.
Dressed in uniforms from those eras, some waved at the president and his guests as they marched by.
Among the troops showcased were the 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, whose troops played an instrumental role in the Normandy landings during World War II, and the 101st Airborne Division based in Fort Campbell Kentucky.
More than 6,000 army soldiers are expected to march in the parade.
- Joey Garrison
Light rain started to fall on the parade as soldiers in World War I-uniform marched past Trump.
A B-25 bomber flew over the mall ahead of the World War II contingent.
Army spokesman Steve Warren said the weather, so far, wasn't a problem.
'There are more than 1,000 paratroopers here today. When it rains, most paratroopers look up at the sky and say 'is that all you got?''
- Tom Vanden Brook
The first military members to perform in front of Trump's stage was the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, a group that depicts the uniforms and instruments used by the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.
Next, several parachutes from the Golden Knights Parachute team jumped from planes with their equipment.
- Joey Garrison
Two military tanks are positioned in front of the stage where Trump, Cabinet members and other top allies are watching. The White House is in the backdrop.
Some in the crowd started singing happy birthday to the president after Trump arrived on stage with first lady Melania Trump.
A short video ahead of the parade chronicled the history of the U.S. Army beginning with its role in the Revolutionary Army that gave the United States its freedom.
- Joey Garrison
Thousands of people still zig-zagged Constitution Avenue waiting in line to get into the parade viewing area as the event began.
Elijah Donello, 20, said he has waited for more than an hour and isn't worried about the parade starting early. 'We'll be in position by the time it gets here,' he said.
-Karissa Waddick
President Donald Trump arrived at his viewing stand to watch the parade at 5:43 p.m. ET, about a half hour earlier than originally scheduled as evening rain and thunderstorms loom in the forecast.
Trump's appearance suggests the parade will get underway earlier than the original 6:30 p.m. ET start time, perhaps to avoid the chance of lightning that could disrupt the event.
Trump will watch the parade next to some of his Cabinet members, Republican lawmakers and other top allies.
- Joey Garrison
Much of President Donald Trump's Cabinet, Republican lawmakers and other top Trump allies have assembled for the president's military parade that will mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army on Trump's 79th birthday.
Those situated in a viewing stand where Trump will watch the parade include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, Education Secretary Linda McMahon, Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins and White House Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought.
Also watching from the stand are Republican Reps. Marjorie Taylore Greene of Georgia, Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina, Maria Salazar of Florida, Rich McCormick of Georgia, singer Lee Greenwood (performer of 'God Bless the USA,' a Trump favorite) and Dana White House, CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
- Joey Garrison and Francesca Chambers
Anti-Trump protesters milled, for the most part quietly, along the perimeter of the parade line, though at times they clashed with the presidents supporters.
One man asked the protesters how much they were being paid.
Paul Williams, 58, yelled back 'freedom is free.'
A school teacher from Silver Spring, Maryland, Williams said military parades in the U.S. aren't 'unprecedented' but he is worried about the 'atmosphere' of this one, and how much it could cost the federal government.
'I think it's just inappropriate to be celebrating,' he said.
-Karissa Waddick
The Army's daylong festival on the National Mall, celebrating its 250th anniversary, came off without a hitch, Army spokesman Steve Warren said.
The weather, though muggy, cooperated for events like fitness challenges.
'The festival has been a great success," Warren said "People from all walks of life spent the day connecting with soldiers and learning about America's Army. The parade will be icing on the Army's birthday cake."
Perhaps.
Rain and possible thunderstorms crept toward Washington from the west late Saturday afternoon.
'The Army doesn't have any concerns about the weather," Warren said. "This parade will happen."
If the weather turns nasty, the Army could modify or cancel flyovers by aircraft.
"But the parade is a go," Warren said.
- Tom Vanden Brook
The line to get into the parade extends multiple city blocks, stretching around the Smithsonian Museum of American History, and then looping back into the street.
Vendors are wheeling carts along the road, selling hats, T-shirts and Spongebob Squarepants Popsicles.
Those waiting say the line has moved quickly. Standing near the front, waving a red fan, Chelsea Monk, 34, said she had only waited about five minutes.
-Karissa Waddick
The demonstrators outside the White House are dispersing after more than an hour of protesting. Hundreds are headed home, to the metro, and back to their hotels.
Leo Pargo, one of the event's organizers, said they have no plans to protest the parade beginning at 6:30 p.m.
—Rachel Barber
Though the demonstration outside the White House is not officially a 'No Kings' protest, several attendees have written the slogan on their signs.
Other signs include 'Due process is for everyone,' 'Immigrants make America great,' and 'Those who ban history want to repeat it.'
— Rachel Barber
There weren't any 'No Kings' protests originally scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C. during Trump's military parade but reports early Saturday afternoon show a small demonstration beginning to form.
A group called 'Refuse Fascism' started assembling in Logan Circle with about 500 people reportedly marching to Lafayette Park just in front of the White House.
'Fascist America – We say no! Now's the time for Trump to go,' the crowd chanted, according to the NBC affiliate in Washington.
— Phillip M. Bailey
About a block from the festival, local vendors are selling 'Make America Great Again' red baseball caps and white cowboy hats.
Trump shirts are for sale including one that depicts the president in front of the White House and reads 'daddy's home.'
— Rachel Barber
Although potential showers and thunderstorms are expected Saturday evening, it's a sunny and humid 82 degrees in Washington as of 2:30 p.m.
Trash cans at the National Mall are overflowing with water cups as attendees heat up and apply sunscreen.
— Rachel Barber
Signs around the festival list several companies as sponsors of the event.
Among them are Walmart, Lockheed Martin, and RTX, formerly known as Raytheon Technologies.
—Rachel Barber
Country music artist Noah Hicks took the main stage to perform several songs, including his yet to be released single 'Small Town Does.'
Nearby, families play Connect Four, cornhole and flag football on the grass.
—Rachel Barber
Supporters say it's a much-needed showcase of American pride celebrating the Army, while critics slam it as a president's ego trip.
But Saturday's military parade isn't the first in the nation's capital. That last one was the National Victory Celebration, which took place June 8, 1991, two months after the end of Operation Desert Storm.
'By God, we've kicked the Vietnam syndrome once and for all,' President George H.W. Bush said in March 1991, after the U.S.-led coalition kicked the Iraqi army out of Kuwait in a war that lasted about 100 hours.
Some back then called the parade -- which cost about $12 million before inflation -- "a waste of time, effort and money," but mostly it was a patriotic celebration that turned out roughly 800,000 people that didn't feature nationwide protests.
— Phillip M. Bailey
The president isn't letting a poor forecast dampen his mood as he celebrates his 79th birthday and the Army's 250th.
'OUR GREAT MILITARY PARADE IS ON, RAIN OR SHINE,' Trump said in a Saturday morning post on Truth Social, his social media platform. 'REMEMBER, A RAINY DAY PARADE BRINGS GOOD LUCK. I'LL SEE YOU ALL IN D.C.'
Rain and thunderstorms might damper the massive military showcase as much eastern half of the country are experiencing showers through the weekend. Remember the event is standing room only, according to the Secret Service.
This isn't the first time Mother Nature has crashed a Trump event. If you recall, in January his second inauguration had to be moved to inside the U.S. Capitol due to intense cold.
— Phillip M. Bailey
Dripping in sweat, U.S. Army Maj. Andres Nanez is proud he and his team finished the fitness competition on the National lawn in 10 minutes and seven seconds.
The timed test of endurance features a rope climb, Echo Bike ride, a three-person dead lift of more than 500 pounds, burpees and more, as spectators cheer on participants.
Nanez left the Fort Bragg base in North Carolina to attend the Saturday's festivities with his fellow soldiers and family.
'Representing the U.S. Army is what brought us all together and to compete at the biggest stage,' Nanez said. 'Definitely enjoying this moment.'
— Rachel Barber
Decked in a red, white, and blue suit embellished with the iconic image of President Donald Trump holding his fist in the air after an assassination attempt in Butler, Penn., Tien Tran drew attention from the crowds at the national Mall Saturday morning.
'I've been wearing this since after the assassination attempt. I've been to rallies and to the inauguration,' Tran said. 'God saved Trump so he could save America and he will save the world.'
He's in town for one day celebrate the military and Trump's birthday, which he says he celebrates every year in Orange County, Calif.
He sides with Trump in his ongoing arguments between his state's governor over deployment of the National Guard after protests following ICE raids, saying Gavin Newsom has 'failed' Californians.
'They protest because either they are paid to do so or because they don't love this country,' he alleged. 'I'm a legal immigrant and I love this country and I don't want to see it being destroyed.'
—Rachel Barber
It isn't just the president and the Army's birthdays.
June 14 also is when Old Glory, America's symbol of freedom with its 50 stars and 13 stripes, is celebrated.
— Phillip M. Bailey
Onlookers will see hundreds of military vehicles and thousands of soldiers on Saturday that will be grouped together for each major era of the Army's history.
As USA TODAY previously reported, of the roughly 7,000 soldiers flocking to D.C. from bases around the world, about 1,000 will be dressed up in the historical uniforms from Revolutionary War, Civil War, both world wars and other major conflicts.
The costumes were rented from the Motion Picture Costume Company – a Los Angeles-based contractor, and were used at a June 11 performance known as the Twilight Tattoo, which is open to the public weekly from May through July.
"It's pretty cool," Private Jonathan Cole, who wore a Gulf War-era camouflage uniform ahead of Saturday's parade, told USA TODAY.
— Phillip M. Bailey, Cybele Mayes-Osterman
Part of Saturday's parade is making a patriotic appeal to future soldiers after years of the Army struggling to meet its recruitment goals.
U.S. military officials announced the branch met its annual recruiting target of 61,000 in the first week of June, which was a full four months ahead of the scheduled. That is roughly 10% higher than the 55,000 recruits the Army reported having last year.
"This achievement represents a significant turning point for the Army and indicates a renewed sense of patriotism and purpose among America's youth,' the Army said in a June 3 statement.
Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll attributed the rise to the 'decisive leadership' of Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, but others have spotlighted the Future Soldier Preparatory Course, which was established in August 2022.
Former Army Secretary Christine Wormuth told the Associated Press, for instance, that the program established under Biden might be responsible for as much as a third of this year's recruiting totals.
— Phillip M. Bailey
As mentioned before, Americas might not like the cost of Saturday's parade but a plurality do like the idea of holding one.
A new AP-NORC poll found 40% of U.S. adults approve of Trump's decision versus 29% who disapprove.
As you may have expected, Democrats and liberal-leaning Americans aren't too excited about it. Just 20% approve of the president's decision while 50% disapprove, according to the survey.
But it's a hit among Republicans and conservative-minded adults, with a whopping 67% giving Trump a thumbs up compared to only 11% who object.
Among independents, slightly more favor the parade than object with 27% approving and 19% disapproving. The remaining 54% said neither.
— Phillip M. Bailey
Whatever you might think of Saturday's parade, there's no question D.C. streets will feel the weight.
The Army has made special preparations to minimize damage to the roadways as tons of vehicles and artillery will be coming through the nation's capitol, such as:
The M1A2/Abrams tank: Arguably, the most impressive and fearsome weapon in the parade, or pretty much anywhere at 70 tons, the tank entered Army service 45 years ago and first saw combat in Operation Desert Storm in 1991. It carries a 120mm cannon, robust armor and has a top speed of 45 mph.
Stryker vehicle: Variants of these eight-wheeled, armored vehicles can carry infantry soldiers, mortars, command posts and act as ambulances. Strykers can carry up to 11 soldiers and reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.
The AH-64 Apache: This attack helicopter cuts a menacing silhouette. It destroyed radar installations in Iraq during Desert Storm and provided air cover for convoys and troops on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan.
— Phillip M. Bailey
Saturday's parade might may also draw attention to Trump being the oldest commander-in-chief in U.S. history.
Born June 14, 1946, when Harry Truman was president, he set the record for oldest person to take office at 78 years and 7 months, ahead of Joe Biden, who was 78 years and 2 months when he took office in January 2021.
The age of American elected officials has been a topic of concern lately, mostly due to questions raised around Biden's acuity that hounded him for most of his term. Democrats have tried to do the same to Trump, such as when he mixed up the Japanese car company Nissan and the Japanese steel company Nippon last month.
"He is not the same person that I dealt with just four years ago, and he's incapable of even a train of thought," California Gov. Gavin Newsom said of Trump in a recent interview.
But that narrative hasn't stuck to Trump, who is known to ramble in public speeches but comes off as more vigorous to the public than Biden did.
— Phillip M. Bailey
Washington's weather forecast for the day of the parade shows a high of 83 degrees, with showers beginning in the late morning and possible thunderstorms after 2 p.m. local time.
After 6 p.m., when the parade will kick off, forecasters predict a 75% chance of precipitation and some chance of thunder.
The Army said on June 13 that the weather is "being closely monitored and taken into consideration, but at this point nothing has changed."
More than 1,800 "No Kings" protests against the parade, Trump, and what protesters call his authoritarian policies, are scheduled in cities and towns throughout the world – but not Washington.
Trump first said on June 10 that protests would be met with "very big force." The White House backtracked days later, and press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump "of course" supports peaceful protests.
Other demonstrators have kept their plans in Washington on the day of the parade, with some fearing a crackdown like the response to protests against widescale deportations in Los Angeles.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Massive Army 250 parade takes over DC on Trump birthday - live updates