President Trump Attends U.S. Army's 250th Birthday Parade in Washington, D.C.

President Trump is participating in a military parade to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army as he marks his 79th birthday. The event, known as the 250th Birthday of the U.S. Army Grand Military Parade and Celebration, will showcase thousands of soldiers, tanks, and aircraft, with an expected attendance of thousands, if not hundreds of thousands.

The parade is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. ET, following a day filled with festivities. Preparations have been underway in Washington throughout the week, with tanks arriving and fencing being set up around the White House and National Mall.

What's the Purpose of the Military Parade?

The main goal of Saturday's events is to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Army, which was established on June 14, 1775, by the Second Continental Congress. President Trump views the day as a celebration of the nation's achievements, both on and off the battlefield, highlighting victories in World War I and World War II.

Here's a breakdown of the military equipment and soldiers expected to be featured in the parade:

About 6,600 soldiers
Six M1A1 Abrams tanks
Two World War II Sherman tanks
Eight CH-47 helicopters
16 UH-60 Black Hawks
Four WWII-era P-51 aircraft

Protests and Political Backlash

Protesters are planning to demonstrate against the military parade and President Trump in various cities across the country. Critics have raised concerns about the cost of the parade, estimated to be between $25 million and $45 million, as well as the perceived authoritarian undertones associated with military displays.

Despite the backlash, the parade is set to proceed as scheduled, with a full day of events leading up to the main parade at 6:30 p.m. ET. The route will run along Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C., and visitors are advised to use public transportation due to road closures.