U.S. President Donald Trump’s long-planned military parade took place in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, featuring more than 6,000 troops, 128 tanks, and a 21-gun salute to mark the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and coinciding with Trump’s 79th birthday.
Trump observed the event behind bulletproof glass, standing and saluting as troops marched past. The procession included armored vehicles, artillery, and historic military equipment, tracing the Army’s history from the Revolutionary War to modern times. While supporters viewed the parade as a proud display of strength and stability, others criticized it as wasteful due to its estimated $25–45 million cost. However, turnout was notably lower than some early estimates, likely affected by hot weather and thunderstorm threats.
Meanwhile, tens of thousands participated in “No Kings” protests across the country opposing Trump’s policies and military deployments, especially in response to immigration raids and the use of the National Guard and Marines in Los Angeles.
