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The Advertiser
a day ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
US Army marks 250 years with parade on Trump's birthday
The massive military parade that President Donald Trump has long wanted is set to step off from the Lincoln Memorial, with tanks, bands and thousands of troops. And the biggest question marks are whether it will be overshadowed or delayed by either the weather in Washington or planned protests elsewhere around the country. Falling on Trump's 79th birthday, the parade was added just a few weeks ago to the army's long-planned 250th anniversary celebration. It has triggered criticism for its price tag of up to $US45 million ($A69 million) and the possibility that the lumbering tanks could tear up city streets. The army has taken steps to protect the streets, including laying metal plates down along the route. The display of America's army on Saturday comes as Trump has shown his willingness to use his fighting forces in ways other US presidents have typically avoided, inviting lawsuits and accusations that he is politicising the military. He has deployed the California National Guard and US Marines to provide security during Los Angeles protests tied to immigration raids. It marks the first time in 60 years that a president activated the National Guard on federal orders inside a state without a governor's permission, and California Governor Gavin Newsom has filed a lawsuit to stop the deployments. Earlier in the week, Trump raised eyebrows during a speech at Fort Bragg when members of the 82nd Airborne Division were directed to stand behind Trump and they booed and cheered during his incendiary remarks, including condemnation of his predecessor, Joe Biden. The Defense Department has a doctrine that prohibits troops from taking part in political activity while in uniform. Trump has shrugged off concerns about the parade cost, the rainy forecast and the potential for protests. "What a day it will be!!!" Trump wrote on his social media site, adding later that he hoped the weather would cooperate but that if it doesn't, "that brings you good luck. That's OK too. Doesn't matter. Doesn't affect the tanks at all. Doesn't affect the soldiers. They're used to it. They're tough. Smart." As for the protests, he warned that "they will be met with very big force". The "No Kings" rallies planned in hundreds of cities nationwide are meant to counter what organisers say are Trump's plans to feed his ego on his 79th birthday and Flag Day. No protests are scheduled to take place in Washington, DC, however. With rain expected, there is a chance the parade could be interrupted by thunderstorms, but White House spokesperson Anna Kelly has said the march will go on rain or shine. The parade fulfils Trump's desire for a big parade that he tried to get done in his first presidential term after seeing one in France on Bastille Day in 2017. The army expects as many as 200,000 people could attend the festival and parade, which will include 6169 soldiers and 128 tanks, armoured personnel carriers and artillery, while 62 aircraft fly overhead. The massive military parade that President Donald Trump has long wanted is set to step off from the Lincoln Memorial, with tanks, bands and thousands of troops. And the biggest question marks are whether it will be overshadowed or delayed by either the weather in Washington or planned protests elsewhere around the country. Falling on Trump's 79th birthday, the parade was added just a few weeks ago to the army's long-planned 250th anniversary celebration. It has triggered criticism for its price tag of up to $US45 million ($A69 million) and the possibility that the lumbering tanks could tear up city streets. The army has taken steps to protect the streets, including laying metal plates down along the route. The display of America's army on Saturday comes as Trump has shown his willingness to use his fighting forces in ways other US presidents have typically avoided, inviting lawsuits and accusations that he is politicising the military. He has deployed the California National Guard and US Marines to provide security during Los Angeles protests tied to immigration raids. It marks the first time in 60 years that a president activated the National Guard on federal orders inside a state without a governor's permission, and California Governor Gavin Newsom has filed a lawsuit to stop the deployments. Earlier in the week, Trump raised eyebrows during a speech at Fort Bragg when members of the 82nd Airborne Division were directed to stand behind Trump and they booed and cheered during his incendiary remarks, including condemnation of his predecessor, Joe Biden. The Defense Department has a doctrine that prohibits troops from taking part in political activity while in uniform. Trump has shrugged off concerns about the parade cost, the rainy forecast and the potential for protests. "What a day it will be!!!" Trump wrote on his social media site, adding later that he hoped the weather would cooperate but that if it doesn't, "that brings you good luck. That's OK too. Doesn't matter. Doesn't affect the tanks at all. Doesn't affect the soldiers. They're used to it. They're tough. Smart." As for the protests, he warned that "they will be met with very big force". The "No Kings" rallies planned in hundreds of cities nationwide are meant to counter what organisers say are Trump's plans to feed his ego on his 79th birthday and Flag Day. No protests are scheduled to take place in Washington, DC, however. With rain expected, there is a chance the parade could be interrupted by thunderstorms, but White House spokesperson Anna Kelly has said the march will go on rain or shine. The parade fulfils Trump's desire for a big parade that he tried to get done in his first presidential term after seeing one in France on Bastille Day in 2017. The army expects as many as 200,000 people could attend the festival and parade, which will include 6169 soldiers and 128 tanks, armoured personnel carriers and artillery, while 62 aircraft fly overhead. The massive military parade that President Donald Trump has long wanted is set to step off from the Lincoln Memorial, with tanks, bands and thousands of troops. And the biggest question marks are whether it will be overshadowed or delayed by either the weather in Washington or planned protests elsewhere around the country. Falling on Trump's 79th birthday, the parade was added just a few weeks ago to the army's long-planned 250th anniversary celebration. It has triggered criticism for its price tag of up to $US45 million ($A69 million) and the possibility that the lumbering tanks could tear up city streets. The army has taken steps to protect the streets, including laying metal plates down along the route. The display of America's army on Saturday comes as Trump has shown his willingness to use his fighting forces in ways other US presidents have typically avoided, inviting lawsuits and accusations that he is politicising the military. He has deployed the California National Guard and US Marines to provide security during Los Angeles protests tied to immigration raids. It marks the first time in 60 years that a president activated the National Guard on federal orders inside a state without a governor's permission, and California Governor Gavin Newsom has filed a lawsuit to stop the deployments. Earlier in the week, Trump raised eyebrows during a speech at Fort Bragg when members of the 82nd Airborne Division were directed to stand behind Trump and they booed and cheered during his incendiary remarks, including condemnation of his predecessor, Joe Biden. The Defense Department has a doctrine that prohibits troops from taking part in political activity while in uniform. Trump has shrugged off concerns about the parade cost, the rainy forecast and the potential for protests. "What a day it will be!!!" Trump wrote on his social media site, adding later that he hoped the weather would cooperate but that if it doesn't, "that brings you good luck. That's OK too. Doesn't matter. Doesn't affect the tanks at all. Doesn't affect the soldiers. They're used to it. They're tough. Smart." As for the protests, he warned that "they will be met with very big force". The "No Kings" rallies planned in hundreds of cities nationwide are meant to counter what organisers say are Trump's plans to feed his ego on his 79th birthday and Flag Day. No protests are scheduled to take place in Washington, DC, however. With rain expected, there is a chance the parade could be interrupted by thunderstorms, but White House spokesperson Anna Kelly has said the march will go on rain or shine. The parade fulfils Trump's desire for a big parade that he tried to get done in his first presidential term after seeing one in France on Bastille Day in 2017. The army expects as many as 200,000 people could attend the festival and parade, which will include 6169 soldiers and 128 tanks, armoured personnel carriers and artillery, while 62 aircraft fly overhead. The massive military parade that President Donald Trump has long wanted is set to step off from the Lincoln Memorial, with tanks, bands and thousands of troops. And the biggest question marks are whether it will be overshadowed or delayed by either the weather in Washington or planned protests elsewhere around the country. Falling on Trump's 79th birthday, the parade was added just a few weeks ago to the army's long-planned 250th anniversary celebration. It has triggered criticism for its price tag of up to $US45 million ($A69 million) and the possibility that the lumbering tanks could tear up city streets. The army has taken steps to protect the streets, including laying metal plates down along the route. The display of America's army on Saturday comes as Trump has shown his willingness to use his fighting forces in ways other US presidents have typically avoided, inviting lawsuits and accusations that he is politicising the military. He has deployed the California National Guard and US Marines to provide security during Los Angeles protests tied to immigration raids. It marks the first time in 60 years that a president activated the National Guard on federal orders inside a state without a governor's permission, and California Governor Gavin Newsom has filed a lawsuit to stop the deployments. Earlier in the week, Trump raised eyebrows during a speech at Fort Bragg when members of the 82nd Airborne Division were directed to stand behind Trump and they booed and cheered during his incendiary remarks, including condemnation of his predecessor, Joe Biden. The Defense Department has a doctrine that prohibits troops from taking part in political activity while in uniform. Trump has shrugged off concerns about the parade cost, the rainy forecast and the potential for protests. "What a day it will be!!!" Trump wrote on his social media site, adding later that he hoped the weather would cooperate but that if it doesn't, "that brings you good luck. That's OK too. Doesn't matter. Doesn't affect the tanks at all. Doesn't affect the soldiers. They're used to it. They're tough. Smart." As for the protests, he warned that "they will be met with very big force". The "No Kings" rallies planned in hundreds of cities nationwide are meant to counter what organisers say are Trump's plans to feed his ego on his 79th birthday and Flag Day. No protests are scheduled to take place in Washington, DC, however. With rain expected, there is a chance the parade could be interrupted by thunderstorms, but White House spokesperson Anna Kelly has said the march will go on rain or shine. The parade fulfils Trump's desire for a big parade that he tried to get done in his first presidential term after seeing one in France on Bastille Day in 2017. The army expects as many as 200,000 people could attend the festival and parade, which will include 6169 soldiers and 128 tanks, armoured personnel carriers and artillery, while 62 aircraft fly overhead.
Perth Now
a day ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
US Army marks 250 years with parade on Trump's birthday
The massive military parade that President Donald Trump has long wanted is set to step off from the Lincoln Memorial, with tanks, bands and thousands of troops. And the biggest question marks are whether it will be overshadowed or delayed by either the weather in Washington or planned protests elsewhere around the country. Falling on Trump's 79th birthday, the parade was added just a few weeks ago to the army's long-planned 250th anniversary celebration. It has triggered criticism for its price tag of up to $US45 million ($A69 million) and the possibility that the lumbering tanks could tear up city streets. The army has taken steps to protect the streets, including laying metal plates down along the route. The display of America's army on Saturday comes as Trump has shown his willingness to use his fighting forces in ways other US presidents have typically avoided, inviting lawsuits and accusations that he is politicising the military. He has deployed the California National Guard and US Marines to provide security during Los Angeles protests tied to immigration raids. It marks the first time in 60 years that a president activated the National Guard on federal orders inside a state without a governor's permission, and California Governor Gavin Newsom has filed a lawsuit to stop the deployments. Earlier in the week, Trump raised eyebrows during a speech at Fort Bragg when members of the 82nd Airborne Division were directed to stand behind Trump and they booed and cheered during his incendiary remarks, including condemnation of his predecessor, Joe Biden. The Defense Department has a doctrine that prohibits troops from taking part in political activity while in uniform. Trump has shrugged off concerns about the parade cost, the rainy forecast and the potential for protests. "What a day it will be!!!" Trump wrote on his social media site, adding later that he hoped the weather would cooperate but that if it doesn't, "that brings you good luck. That's OK too. Doesn't matter. Doesn't affect the tanks at all. Doesn't affect the soldiers. They're used to it. They're tough. Smart." As for the protests, he warned that "they will be met with very big force". The "No Kings" rallies planned in hundreds of cities nationwide are meant to counter what organisers say are Trump's plans to feed his ego on his 79th birthday and Flag Day. No protests are scheduled to take place in Washington, DC, however. With rain expected, there is a chance the parade could be interrupted by thunderstorms, but White House spokesperson Anna Kelly has said the march will go on rain or shine. The parade fulfils Trump's desire for a big parade that he tried to get done in his first presidential term after seeing one in France on Bastille Day in 2017. The army expects as many as 200,000 people could attend the festival and parade, which will include 6169 soldiers and 128 tanks, armoured personnel carriers and artillery, while 62 aircraft fly overhead.
The Advertiser
05-06-2025
- Politics
- The Advertiser
US Army defends military parade, wanted by Trump
US Army leaders have defended spending as much as $US45 million ($A69 million) to add a parade to the service's 250th birthday celebration in Washington, saying it will help boost recruitment, as Congress members argue the money could be better spent on other priorities. Spending for the parade has become a flashpoint since it comes at a time when the Trump administration is slashing funding for personnel and programs across the federal government, including the Defense Department. Members of the House Armed Services Committee also said they are concerned the Defense Department is shifting about $1 billion from a variety of accounts — including base housing — to cover the costs of shoring up the defence of the southern border. While the Army has long planned for a festival on the National Mall to celebrate its 250th birthday on June 14, the parade was just recently added. President Donald Trump has long wanted a military parade in the city, after seeing an elaborate one in France on Bastille Day during his first presidential term, and June 14 is also his birthday. US Democrat Salud Carbajal, questioned whether the additional cost of the parade was appropriate since all the military services are facing 8 per cent budget cuts, and said perhaps it could be used to improve troops' quality of life or warfighting capabilities. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll replied that the parade offers a chance to tell the public about the Army. "I believe very specifically that telling that story will directly lead to a recruiting boom and will fill up our pipeline for the coming years," he said. At the same time, he and Gen. Randy George, chief of staff of the Army, told lawmakers the service has now met its recruiting goal for the year — with 61,000 recruits. Army officials have predicted for months that they would hit the target early after making a series of changes to recruiting programs, recruiters and policies over the past several years. That prompted congress member Wesley Bell, to ask why the parade was needed for recruiting if it's already surging. House members on both sides of the aisle pressed the Army about a recent request to shift money from across the budget to support the southern border. The biggest concern, they said, is that it takes money away from base housing, which has been plagued with persistent problems, including mould, rodents and raw sewage in barracks. US Army leaders have defended spending as much as $US45 million ($A69 million) to add a parade to the service's 250th birthday celebration in Washington, saying it will help boost recruitment, as Congress members argue the money could be better spent on other priorities. Spending for the parade has become a flashpoint since it comes at a time when the Trump administration is slashing funding for personnel and programs across the federal government, including the Defense Department. Members of the House Armed Services Committee also said they are concerned the Defense Department is shifting about $1 billion from a variety of accounts — including base housing — to cover the costs of shoring up the defence of the southern border. While the Army has long planned for a festival on the National Mall to celebrate its 250th birthday on June 14, the parade was just recently added. President Donald Trump has long wanted a military parade in the city, after seeing an elaborate one in France on Bastille Day during his first presidential term, and June 14 is also his birthday. US Democrat Salud Carbajal, questioned whether the additional cost of the parade was appropriate since all the military services are facing 8 per cent budget cuts, and said perhaps it could be used to improve troops' quality of life or warfighting capabilities. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll replied that the parade offers a chance to tell the public about the Army. "I believe very specifically that telling that story will directly lead to a recruiting boom and will fill up our pipeline for the coming years," he said. At the same time, he and Gen. Randy George, chief of staff of the Army, told lawmakers the service has now met its recruiting goal for the year — with 61,000 recruits. Army officials have predicted for months that they would hit the target early after making a series of changes to recruiting programs, recruiters and policies over the past several years. That prompted congress member Wesley Bell, to ask why the parade was needed for recruiting if it's already surging. House members on both sides of the aisle pressed the Army about a recent request to shift money from across the budget to support the southern border. The biggest concern, they said, is that it takes money away from base housing, which has been plagued with persistent problems, including mould, rodents and raw sewage in barracks. US Army leaders have defended spending as much as $US45 million ($A69 million) to add a parade to the service's 250th birthday celebration in Washington, saying it will help boost recruitment, as Congress members argue the money could be better spent on other priorities. Spending for the parade has become a flashpoint since it comes at a time when the Trump administration is slashing funding for personnel and programs across the federal government, including the Defense Department. Members of the House Armed Services Committee also said they are concerned the Defense Department is shifting about $1 billion from a variety of accounts — including base housing — to cover the costs of shoring up the defence of the southern border. While the Army has long planned for a festival on the National Mall to celebrate its 250th birthday on June 14, the parade was just recently added. President Donald Trump has long wanted a military parade in the city, after seeing an elaborate one in France on Bastille Day during his first presidential term, and June 14 is also his birthday. US Democrat Salud Carbajal, questioned whether the additional cost of the parade was appropriate since all the military services are facing 8 per cent budget cuts, and said perhaps it could be used to improve troops' quality of life or warfighting capabilities. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll replied that the parade offers a chance to tell the public about the Army. "I believe very specifically that telling that story will directly lead to a recruiting boom and will fill up our pipeline for the coming years," he said. At the same time, he and Gen. Randy George, chief of staff of the Army, told lawmakers the service has now met its recruiting goal for the year — with 61,000 recruits. Army officials have predicted for months that they would hit the target early after making a series of changes to recruiting programs, recruiters and policies over the past several years. That prompted congress member Wesley Bell, to ask why the parade was needed for recruiting if it's already surging. House members on both sides of the aisle pressed the Army about a recent request to shift money from across the budget to support the southern border. The biggest concern, they said, is that it takes money away from base housing, which has been plagued with persistent problems, including mould, rodents and raw sewage in barracks. US Army leaders have defended spending as much as $US45 million ($A69 million) to add a parade to the service's 250th birthday celebration in Washington, saying it will help boost recruitment, as Congress members argue the money could be better spent on other priorities. Spending for the parade has become a flashpoint since it comes at a time when the Trump administration is slashing funding for personnel and programs across the federal government, including the Defense Department. Members of the House Armed Services Committee also said they are concerned the Defense Department is shifting about $1 billion from a variety of accounts — including base housing — to cover the costs of shoring up the defence of the southern border. While the Army has long planned for a festival on the National Mall to celebrate its 250th birthday on June 14, the parade was just recently added. President Donald Trump has long wanted a military parade in the city, after seeing an elaborate one in France on Bastille Day during his first presidential term, and June 14 is also his birthday. US Democrat Salud Carbajal, questioned whether the additional cost of the parade was appropriate since all the military services are facing 8 per cent budget cuts, and said perhaps it could be used to improve troops' quality of life or warfighting capabilities. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll replied that the parade offers a chance to tell the public about the Army. "I believe very specifically that telling that story will directly lead to a recruiting boom and will fill up our pipeline for the coming years," he said. At the same time, he and Gen. Randy George, chief of staff of the Army, told lawmakers the service has now met its recruiting goal for the year — with 61,000 recruits. Army officials have predicted for months that they would hit the target early after making a series of changes to recruiting programs, recruiters and policies over the past several years. That prompted congress member Wesley Bell, to ask why the parade was needed for recruiting if it's already surging. House members on both sides of the aisle pressed the Army about a recent request to shift money from across the budget to support the southern border. The biggest concern, they said, is that it takes money away from base housing, which has been plagued with persistent problems, including mould, rodents and raw sewage in barracks.
West Australian
05-06-2025
- Politics
- West Australian
US Army defends military parade, wanted by Trump
US Army leaders have defended spending as much as $US45 million ($A69 million) to add a parade to the service's 250th birthday celebration in Washington, saying it will help boost recruitment, as Congress members argue the money could be better spent on other priorities. Spending for the parade has become a flashpoint since it comes at a time when the Trump administration is slashing funding for personnel and programs across the federal government, including the Defense Department. Members of the House Armed Services Committee also said they are concerned the Defense Department is shifting about $1 billion from a variety of accounts — including base housing — to cover the costs of shoring up the defence of the southern border. While the Army has long planned for a festival on the National Mall to celebrate its 250th birthday on June 14, the parade was just recently added. President Donald Trump has long wanted a military parade in the city, after seeing an elaborate one in France on Bastille Day during his first presidential term, and June 14 is also his birthday. US Democrat Salud Carbajal, questioned whether the additional cost of the parade was appropriate since all the military services are facing 8 per cent budget cuts, and said perhaps it could be used to improve troops' quality of life or warfighting capabilities. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll replied that the parade offers a chance to tell the public about the Army. "I believe very specifically that telling that story will directly lead to a recruiting boom and will fill up our pipeline for the coming years," he said. At the same time, he and Gen. Randy George, chief of staff of the Army, told lawmakers the service has now met its recruiting goal for the year — with 61,000 recruits. Army officials have predicted for months that they would hit the target early after making a series of changes to recruiting programs, recruiters and policies over the past several years. That prompted congress member Wesley Bell, to ask why the parade was needed for recruiting if it's already surging. House members on both sides of the aisle pressed the Army about a recent request to shift money from across the budget to support the southern border. The biggest concern, they said, is that it takes money away from base housing, which has been plagued with persistent problems, including mould, rodents and raw sewage in barracks.
Perth Now
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Perth Now
US Army defends military parade, wanted by Trump
US Army leaders have defended spending as much as $US45 million ($A69 million) to add a parade to the service's 250th birthday celebration in Washington, saying it will help boost recruitment, as Congress members argue the money could be better spent on other priorities. Spending for the parade has become a flashpoint since it comes at a time when the Trump administration is slashing funding for personnel and programs across the federal government, including the Defense Department. Members of the House Armed Services Committee also said they are concerned the Defense Department is shifting about $1 billion from a variety of accounts — including base housing — to cover the costs of shoring up the defence of the southern border. While the Army has long planned for a festival on the National Mall to celebrate its 250th birthday on June 14, the parade was just recently added. President Donald Trump has long wanted a military parade in the city, after seeing an elaborate one in France on Bastille Day during his first presidential term, and June 14 is also his birthday. US Democrat Salud Carbajal, questioned whether the additional cost of the parade was appropriate since all the military services are facing 8 per cent budget cuts, and said perhaps it could be used to improve troops' quality of life or warfighting capabilities. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll replied that the parade offers a chance to tell the public about the Army. "I believe very specifically that telling that story will directly lead to a recruiting boom and will fill up our pipeline for the coming years," he said. At the same time, he and Gen. Randy George, chief of staff of the Army, told lawmakers the service has now met its recruiting goal for the year — with 61,000 recruits. Army officials have predicted for months that they would hit the target early after making a series of changes to recruiting programs, recruiters and policies over the past several years. That prompted congress member Wesley Bell, to ask why the parade was needed for recruiting if it's already surging. House members on both sides of the aisle pressed the Army about a recent request to shift money from across the budget to support the southern border. The biggest concern, they said, is that it takes money away from base housing, which has been plagued with persistent problems, including mould, rodents and raw sewage in barracks.
