A massive military parade to celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, requested by President Donald Trump, is underway in Washington D.C. Saturday, as opponents of the president’s agenda are rallying in hundreds of cities nationwide for “No Kings” protests.The event got started well ahead of schedule, and it’s speeding right along, as ominous weather is still predicted for the Washington region.In its first 40 minutes, the parade sped through more than 200 years of U.S. Army history, from its inception in 1775 to 1991’s Gulf War era.The final sections of marching troops represent the Army’s future.The band at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point will lead hundreds of future troops, including members of the Texas A&M Army Corps of Cadets, new enlistees just going through Army initial entry training, cadets from the Virginia Military Institute and cadets from The Citadel in South Carolina.Last, 250 brand new recruits or soldiers who are re-enlisting will reach the president. As they do, they will turn toward him and raise their right hand, and Trump will swear them into service.Compared with anticipated timelines laid out in advance, the parade’s timing is now nearly half an hour ahead of schedule. In all, it’s been estimated to last a total of about an hour and a half.Trump posted on Truth Social earlier, “OUR GREAT MILITARY PARADE IS ON, RAIN OR SHINE.” Chances for thunderstorms, however, are high. A White House spokesperson said lightning could cause organizers to clear out the area for safety reasons. 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 $45 million and the possibility that the lumbering tanks could tear up city streets. The Army has taken a variety of steps to protect the streets, including laying metal plates down along the route.Here’s what to know about Saturday’s events.The parade routeThe parade is winding down Constitution Avenue, which is lined with security fencing and barriers. Army helicopters and aircraft fly above, and the march will be capped off by a parachute jump, a concert featuring “God Bless the U.S.A.” singer Lee Greenwood and fireworks.Hours before the parade was scheduled to start, vendors set up shop on along Pennsylvania Avenue in anticipation of the expected large crowds. Large snowplows blocked off vehicle traffic, allowing pedestrians to walk on the historic street and visit vendors selling art, souvenirs, clothes, jewelry, beverages and food including funnel cakes and lobster rolls.A daylong festival features fitness competitions, demonstrations, equipment displays, music and a cake-cutting ceremony.With rain expected, there is a chance the parade could be interrupted by thunderstorms.White House spokesperson Anna Kelly has said the march will go on rain or shine. But it could be delayed if there is lightning, with authorities quick to empty the expansive National Mall if it happens during major events.Schedule of eventsThe Army expects as many as 200,000 people could attend the festival and parade. The festival began around 9:30 a.m. EDT featuring fitness competitions, demonstrations, equipment displays, music and a cake-cutting ceremony.The parade began at 6:30 p.m. EDT, but parts of it — including the horse-drawn caissons and other units — start at the Pentagon, head over a bridge and meet up with some of the heavier tanks and equipment. Officials did not want the more-than-60-ton M1A1 Abrams tanks and Stryker vehicles crossing the bridge.Timed down to the minute, the march will be divided into sections by history — with equipment and troops in full dress from each period.It will include a total of 6,169 soldiers and 128 Army tanks, armored personnel carriers and artillery, while 62 aircraft fly overhead.At the end of the parade, Trump will swear in 250 new or reenlisting troops, and the Army’s Golden Knights parachute team will jump onto the Mall. That will be followed by the concert and fireworks.Cities brace for anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ demonstrationsCities large and small prepared for major demonstrations Saturday across the U.S. against Trump as officials urged calm.A flagship “No Kings” march and rally are planned in Philadelphia, but no events are scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., where the military parade will take place on Trump’s birthday.The demonstrations come on the heels of protests flaring up around the country over federal immigration enforcement raids that began last week and Trump ordering National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles where protesters blocked a freeway and set cars on fire.Police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets and flash-bang grenades while officials enforced curfews in Los Angeles and Democratic governors called Trump’s Guard deployment “an alarming abuse of power” that “shows the Trump administration does not trust local law enforcement.”Governors and city officials vowed to protect the right to protest and to show no tolerance for violence.Republican governors in Virginia, Texas, Nebraska and Missouri are mobilizing National Guard troops to help law enforcement manage demonstrations. Organizers say that one march will go to the gates of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, where Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis warned demonstrators that the “line is very clear” and not to cross it.Why is it called ‘No Kings’?The “No Kings” theme was orchestrated by the 50501 Movement, to support democracy and against what they call the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration. The name 50501 stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement.Protests earlier this year have denounced Trump and billionaire adviser Elon Musk. Protesters have called for Trump to be “dethroned” as they compare his actions to that of a king and not a democratically elected president.How many people are expected to participate?Protests in nearly 2,000 locations are scheduled around the country, from city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, organizers said.Demonstrations are expected to include speeches and marches, organizers said in a call Wednesday. The group says a core principle behind all “No Kings” events is a commitment to nonviolent action, and participants are expected to seek to de-escalate any confrontation.No weapons of any kind should be taken to “No Kings” events, according to the website.The No Kings Day of Defiance is expected to be the largest single-day mobilization since Trump returned to office, organizers said. Organizers said they are preparing for millions of people to take to the streets across all 50 states and commonwealths.
A massive military parade to celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, requested by President Donald Trump, is underway in Washington D.C. Saturday, as opponents of the president’s agenda are rallying in hundreds of cities nationwide for “No Kings” protests.
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The event got started well ahead of schedule, and it’s speeding right along, as ominous weather is still predicted for the Washington region.
In its first 40 minutes, the parade sped through more than 200 years of U.S. Army history, from its inception in 1775 to 1991’s Gulf War era.
The final sections of marching troops represent the Army’s future.
The band at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point will lead hundreds of future troops, including members of the Texas A&M Army Corps of Cadets, new enlistees just going through Army initial entry training, cadets from the Virginia Military Institute and cadets from The Citadel in South Carolina.
Last, 250 brand new recruits or soldiers who are re-enlisting will reach the president. As they do, they will turn toward him and raise their right hand, and Trump will swear them into service.
Compared with anticipated timelines laid out in advance, the parade’s timing is now nearly half an hour ahead of schedule. In all, it’s been estimated to last a total of about an hour and a half.
Trump posted on Truth Social earlier, “OUR GREAT MILITARY PARADE IS ON, RAIN OR SHINE.” Chances for thunderstorms, however, are high. A White House spokesperson said lightning could cause organizers to clear out the area for safety reasons.
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 $45 million and the possibility that the lumbering tanks could tear up city streets. The Army has taken a variety of steps to protect the streets, including laying metal plates down along the route.
Here’s what to know about Saturday’s events.
The parade route
The parade is winding down Constitution Avenue, which is lined with security fencing and barriers. Army helicopters and aircraft fly above, and the march will be capped off by a parachute jump, a concert featuring “God Bless the U.S.A.” singer Lee Greenwood and fireworks.
Hours before the parade was scheduled to start, vendors set up shop on along Pennsylvania Avenue in anticipation of the expected large crowds. Large snowplows blocked off vehicle traffic, allowing pedestrians to walk on the historic street and visit vendors selling art, souvenirs, clothes, jewelry, beverages and food including funnel cakes and lobster rolls.
A daylong festival features fitness competitions, demonstrations, equipment displays, music and a cake-cutting ceremony.
With rain expected, there is a chance the parade could be interrupted by thunderstorms.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly has said the march will go on rain or shine. But it could be delayed if there is lightning, with authorities quick to empty the expansive National Mall if it happens during major events.
Schedule of events
The Army expects as many as 200,000 people could attend the festival and parade. The festival began around 9:30 a.m. EDT featuring fitness competitions, demonstrations, equipment displays, music and a cake-cutting ceremony.
The parade began at 6:30 p.m. EDT, but parts of it — including the horse-drawn caissons and other units — start at the Pentagon, head over a bridge and meet up with some of the heavier tanks and equipment. Officials did not want the more-than-60-ton M1A1 Abrams tanks and Stryker vehicles crossing the bridge.
Timed down to the minute, the march will be divided into sections by history — with equipment and troops in full dress from each period.
It will include a total of 6,169 soldiers and 128 Army tanks, armored personnel carriers and artillery, while 62 aircraft fly overhead.
At the end of the parade, Trump will swear in 250 new or reenlisting troops, and the Army’s Golden Knights parachute team will jump onto the Mall. That will be followed by the concert and fireworks.
Cities brace for anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ demonstrations
Cities large and small prepared for major demonstrations Saturday across the U.S. against Trump as officials urged calm.
A flagship “No Kings” march and rally are planned in Philadelphia, but no events are scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., where the military parade will take place on Trump’s birthday.
The demonstrations come on the heels of protests flaring up around the country over federal immigration enforcement raids that began last week and Trump ordering National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles where protesters blocked a freeway and set cars on fire.
Police responded with tear gas, rubber bullets and flash-bang grenades while officials enforced curfews in Los Angeles and Democratic governors called Trump’s Guard deployment “an alarming abuse of power” that “shows the Trump administration does not trust local law enforcement.”
Governors and city officials vowed to protect the right to protest and to show no tolerance for violence.
Republican governors in Virginia, Texas, Nebraska and Missouri are mobilizing National Guard troops to help law enforcement manage demonstrations.
Organizers say that one march will go to the gates of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, where Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis warned demonstrators that the “line is very clear” and not to cross it.
Why is it called ‘No Kings’?
The “No Kings” theme was orchestrated by the 50501 Movement, to support democracy and against what they call the authoritarian actions of the Trump administration. The name 50501 stands for 50 states, 50 protests, one movement.
Protests earlier this year have denounced Trump and billionaire adviser Elon Musk. Protesters have called for Trump to be “dethroned” as they compare his actions to that of a king and not a democratically elected president.
How many people are expected to participate?
Protests in nearly 2,000 locations are scheduled around the country, from city blocks to small towns, from courthouse steps to community parks, organizers said.
Demonstrations are expected to include speeches and marches, organizers said in a call Wednesday. The group says a core principle behind all “No Kings” events is a commitment to nonviolent action, and participants are expected to seek to de-escalate any confrontation.
No weapons of any kind should be taken to “No Kings” events, according to the website.
The No Kings Day of Defiance is expected to be the largest single-day mobilization since Trump returned to office, organizers said. Organizers said they are preparing for millions of people to take to the streets across all 50 states and commonwealths.
