WASHINGTON (AP) — This week, a massive military parade deployed against the backdrop of bends that led to President Donald Trump’s unconventional combat troops on American streets is scheduled to begin Saturday night with tanks, bands and troops of thousands of people.
The parade, which coincides with Trump’s 79th birthday, in honor of the Army’s long-standing 250th anniversary ceremony, is set to descend from the Lincoln Memorial under the threat of stormy weather in Washington, potential national protests tied to a turbulent week of immigration enforcement, including Los Angeles’ military deployment.
Trump has dispelled the possibility of both disruptions, saying in a social media post on Saturday morning that the “great military parade” is in “rain or shine.” The protests “will be met with a great deal of force,” he said.
Added to the Army’s birthday celebration a few weeks ago, the parade sparked criticism over its price tag of up to $45 million and the possibility that timber could tear down city streets. The Army took various measures to protect the roads, including laying metal plates along the route.
About six in 10 Americans say Saturday’s parade is “not using government money well.” This includes the majority of people, 78%, who overall don’t approve or disapprove the parade, according to a poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
A day display by the US military has shown Trump’s willingness to use the country’s military power in a way that other US presidents normally avoided, leading to lawsuits and accusations that he is politicizing the military, and last week he urged the California State Guard to activate without the governor’s permission, dispatching the US Marines to provide security during the Los Angeles protests related to immigrant raids, and halt deployment in state lawsuits.
He similarly said he wanted to project military power during his first presidential term, saying that in 2020 he wanted to “control” the city following a violent protest of racial justice, and warns him that he was ready to send active-duty fighters if the state had not called the National Guard.
Earlier in the week, Trump raised an eyebrow during his speech at Fort Bragg. Members of the 82nd Airborne division were instructed to stand behind Trump, and they booed and cheered during his baking Cen remarks, including accusations of his predecessor, Joe Biden. There is also a pop-up for “Make America Great Again” where souvenirs are sold to uniformed squads nearby.
The Department of Defense has a doctrine that prohibits the military from participating in political activities while wearing uniforms. Congressional members and military leaders have expressed concern about the political exhibit during their speech at Fort Bragg.
The parade satisfies Trump’s expressed desire for a big parade he tried to end in his first term after seeing a year old in France on Bastille Day 2017.
Saturday’s event could see increased security matching around 6,600 soldiers, 50 helicopters, a 60-ton M1 Abrams battle tank, and perhaps 200,000 participants.
The parade is caught up in the constitutional order, and already has security fencing and barriers lined up. Army helicopters and aircraft fly over, and the march is concluded by a parachute jump, a concert featuring “God Bless the USA” singer Lee Greenwood and fireworks.
Hours before the parade was scheduled to begin, vendors set up shops along Pennsylvania Avenue in anticipation of the expected large crowd. A large snowplow blocks vehicle traffic and allows pedestrians to walk down historic streets and visit vendors who sell art, souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, drinks, and foods including funnel cakes and lobster rolls.
The one-day festival will feature fitness contests, demonstrations, equipment displays, music and a cake cutting ceremony.
It remained unclear whether the protest could disrupt the parade. There are currently no plans to take place in Washington. Officials have said so far that they have not shown any security threats, but the planned “king” rally in hundreds of cities across the country is intended to say that organizers are Trump’s plans to feed his ego on his 79th birthday and flag day.
If rain is expected, a thunderstorm could interrupt the parade.
White House spokesman Anna Kelly says the march will rain and sparkle. However, if there is lightning, there may be delays and authorities can quickly empty the vast national mall if it occurs during a major event.
The Army expects as many as 200,000 people will be able to participate in the festival and parade.
The parade is scheduled to begin at 6:30pm on the EDT, but some of its carriages, starting with the Pentagon, heading over the bridge, where they will meet heavier tanks and gear. Authorities did not want more than 60 tonnes of M1A1 Abrams tanks and striker cars across the bridge.
Up until that moment, the march is divided into sections by history – with full dress equipment and troops for each period.
It includes a total of 6,169 soldiers and 128 army tanks, armored personnel and artillery, with 62 aircraft that can fly overhead.
At the end of the parade, Trump vows with 250 new or re-enrolled troops, with the Army Golden Knights parachute team diving into the mall. Then there will be a concert and fireworks.
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Associated Press authors Eric Tucker, Michelle L. Price, Nathan Elgren and Tara Kopp contributed to the report.
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