The massive military parade commemorating the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army, which coincides with President Donald #trumps79thbirthday , will get underway Saturday in the Washington, D.C., area. The event is expected to include about 6,600 soldiers, 50 helicopters and 60-ton M1 Abrams battle tanks, as well as possibly 200,000 attendees and heightened security to match. Opponents of the president’s agenda are simultaneously rallying in hundreds of cities nationwide for “No Kings” protests following several days of nationwide demonstrations against federal immigration raids, including in Los Angeles, where #Trump deployed the National Guard against the wishes of California Governor Gavin Newsom.
What to know:
Trump has long wanted a military parade: The president proposed a parade during his first term after attending France’s Bastille Day parade in 2017, but the plans were scrapped due to the predicted high costs and logistical problems. Today’s parade is expected to continue in spite of rain and a chance of thunderstorms.
Counter-protests are planned: Officials say they’re prepared for counterprotests across the nation and will be watching for possible immigration-related clashes after ICE raids in Los Angeles.
The price tag: Army leaders defended the parade’s estimated $25 million to $45 million cost, saying they predict the event will boost recruitment. About 6 in 10 Americans say the parade is “not a good use” of government money, according to the poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
