President Donald Trump has affirmed that the upcoming military parade in Washington D.C., scheduled for the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and also his 79th birthday, will proceed rain or shine. Despite potential bad weather forecasts, Trump expressed confidence in the soldiers and equipment, stating that weather conditions wouldn’t affect the parade. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that a military celebration will take place regardless of the weather.
The National Weather Service predicts a 50% chance of rain on parade day, with thunderstorms possible. The event, estimated to cost between $25 million to $45 million, will showcase Abrams tanks, vintage warplanes, and soldiers in period uniforms to commemorate the nation’s military history. The parade has drawn comparisons to authoritarian displays, sparking “No Kings” protests across the country on the day of the event.
Critics, including Sen. Adam Schiff, have labeled the parade as a “dictator-style military parade,” while protesters argue that real power doesn’t lie in staged displays but in grassroots movements. The spectacle, funded by $40 million in taxpayer dollars, will feature tanks shipped from Texas and soldiers from various posts. As preparations continue, the parade is set to be a grand and historic event, with a reviewing stand being erected for Trump near the White House.