Army 250th anniversary parade: Trump presides over tanks, troops on DC streets; recap

WASHINGTON - Heavy tanks, armored vehicles and thousands of soldiers showcasing all military eras marked the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army on June 14 in a controversial and expensive parade that displayed the military’s might in front of President Donald Trump and his closest allies.

With hard rock from Metallica and Led Zeppelin blaring on loudspeakers, more than 6,000 soldiers marched by spectators including Trump and first lady Melania Trump, who watched from a stage with the White House visible behind them as the president celebrated his 79th birthday.

“The Army keeps us free to make us strong,” Trump said in his remarks that came at the conclusion of the parade and a short concert and before a fireworks display. “And tonight, you have all Americans very proud.”

Trump saluted soldiers dressed in World War II-era uniforms and applauded throughout as soldiers with machine guns, M1 Abrams tanks and howitzer cannons made their way past his stage, while parachuters jumped from planes above.

Trump's parade produced a dramatic split screen as millions of Americans attended coordinated "No Kings" marches in cities across the country in protest of Trump and his administration. It also came on the same day that two Minnesota state lawmakers were shot - with one killed alongside her husband - in a pair of politically-motivated attacks from a gunman still on the loose. Both lawmakers were members of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party.

Back in Washington, it was not immediately clear how many people attended the event at the National Mall, which was the first military parade in the nation’s capital since the end of the Gulf War in 1991. But it appeared to be vastly fewer than the 200,000 who had been expected, perhaps a result of the threat of rain looming in the evening forecast.

The parade, which was projected to cost $40 million in taxpayer dollars, started 30 minutes earlier than scheduled. A 21-gun salute and a performance of “Hail to the Chief” welcomed the president and first lady before the parade began with the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, depicting the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.

More: 'No Kings' protests updates: Rallies wind down in Philadelphia, Los Angeles and DC

On stage, Trump was also joined by Vice President JD Vance, members of his Cabinet including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Republican lawmakers such as Rep. Marjorie Taylore Greene, R-Georgia.

Massive fireworks display caps military parade

A massive fireworks display over the National Mall concluded Trump’s military parade as the president and first lady watched from their stage.

Speakers hailing the virtues of U.S. soldiers played over loudspeakers as the fireworks blasted from near the Washington Monument – mimicking the city’s Fourth of July celebration that will comes in less than one month.

The soundtrack for the fireworks also included several American anthems including “America the Beautiful.”

- Joey Garrison 

Trump hails ‘fiercest and bravest fighting force’ at military parade

Trump hailed the U.S. Army as the “fiercest and bravest fighting force ever to stride the face of the earth” and commended soldiers who have fought and died for the country in patriotic-themed remarks after the parade concluded.

“The Army keeps us free to make us strong. And tonight, you have all American very proud,” Trump said in a seven-minute speech. “Every other country celebrates their victories. It’s about time America did, too.”

Trump traced U.S. military operations from the Continental Army in the Revolutionary War to the Civil War, and from World War I and II into the modern times.

“Our soldiers never give up, never surrender and never give up. They fight, fight, fight,” he said, echoing what became one of his slogans after he escaped an assassination attempt in the 2024 election.

Trump said there is “no earthly force more powerful than” an Army solider, before pointing to the sacrifices of the army. “Our soldiers have poured their blood out by the bucket load.”

“Thanks to their extraordinary service and devotion, 250 years later, America stands tall, America stands proud, and America stands free,” he said. “We're the hottest country in the world right now. Our country will soon be greater and stronger than ever before.”

Vice President JD Vance noted June 14 is also his wedding anniversary during his remarks introducing Trump. After finishing his speech, Trump and Melania Trump were handed a folded American flag by an officer before singer Lee Greenwood performed “God Bless the USA.” A fireworks display in front of the Washington Monument then erupted.

- Joey Garrison

‘I love you, honey’: VP Vance celebrates wedding anniversary at parade

Not only did the military parade fall on Trump’s birthday. It also coincided with Vice President JD Vance’s 11th wedding anniversary with second lady Usha Vance.

“Happy birthday, Mr. President,” Vance said as he introduced Trump before the president’s remarks. “But I would get in trouble if I didn’t mention that it’s also my wedding anniversary. And so, to my lovely wife: I love you, honey.”

Directing his comment to the U.S. soldiers, Vance said the country is proud of them.

“The way that we honor and respect you is, No. 1: We never ask you to go to war unless you absolutely have to,” Vance said. “And No. 2, when we do ask you to go to war, we give you the weapons and the support needed to kick the hell out of the enemy and come back home safely.”

- Joey Garrison

DC workers prepare for cleanup

As parade crowds begin to disperse, D.C. government workers are already preparing to pick up the mess. Bright orange street sweepers and trash trucks sat waiting on 14th Street NW.

Eric Blalock, one of the sweeper operators, said the litter from thousands of parade attendees will be cleaned up by 5 am.

- Karissa Waddick

‘Have a great life’: Trump presides over Army reenlistment ceremony

As the parade portion of the festivities concluded, Trump presided over a reenlistment ceremony for hundreds of military members recommitting themselves to service in the U.S. Army.

Trump read their oaths aloud, and the soldiers repeated his words.

“Welcome to the United States Army and have a great life,” Trump said after the ceremony concluded.

- Joey Garrison 

Howitzer cannons, Abrams tanks make their way to Trump’s stage

More than an hour into the parade, the U.S. Army began to show off some of its modern equipment including portable howitzer cannons and M1 Abrams Tanks.

Both were used extensively in the Gulf War.

Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” played over the loudspeakers as the machinery made its way in front of Trump’s stage.

- Joey Garrison 

Why did people attend the military parade? 

Parade attendees came out for a variety of reasons — some said they were there for Trump, some to support the military, and others said they just wanted to see the spectacle.

Joe Cook, a 33-year-old self described American history buff, traveled from Baltimore to see what he called a “moving museum” of old military aircraft’s and vehicles.

He didn’t care that the parade fell on Trump’s birthday and hoped, if anything, it would make the display more spectacular.

“You know him, he lathers everything in gold,” Cook said.

- Karissa Waddick

Classic rock anthems blare over military parade

Classic rock anthems provided the soundtrack of the military parade as the event shifted to modern tanks and equipment used during the war on terror.

Among the hits blaring on the speakers included Heart’s “Barracuda,” ACDC’s “Thunderstruck,” Van Hallen’s “Jump” and Led Zeppelin’s “Good Times Bad Times.” Members of Led Zeppelin, ironically, are from Great Britain.

Some of the soldiers peaking out of their tanks pumped their fists to the music.

- Joey Garrison

Tanks roll by president as Gulf War, war on terror recognized

Soldiers dressed in Gulf War-era uniforms marched by the president in a display that also included military tanks instrumental in the war to liberate Kuwait.

The tanks were part of the Desert Storm operation led by President George H.W. Bush in 1991.

Soldiers from the global war on terror following the 9/11 terrorist attacks - which included military campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan - were showcased next. The parade included a tank from that period of warfare.

- Joey Garrison 

Cryptocurrency company Coinbase announced as a parade sponsor

A narrator for the parade announced the cryptocurrency exchange company Coinbase as a sponsor of the parade, which has included soldiers from all military eras honoring the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army

Trump has developed a cozy relationship with the crypto industry - and his latest financial disclosure form released June 13 showed its also made him tens of millions of dollars.

In May, Trump hosted about 220 investors who plowed a combined $148 million into his crypto venture. The dinner was a reward for making the leaderboard in a contest to be among the top purchasers of the $TRUMP meme coin, a type of cryptocurrency.

- Joey Garrison

Soldiers from World War I and II march by Trump

Trump watched and saluted as military members depicting soldiers from World War I and later World War II made their way past his stage.

Dressed in uniforms from those eras, some waved at the president and his guests as they marched by.

Among the troops showcased were the 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, whose troops played an instrumental role in the Normandy landings during World War II, and the 101st Airborne Division based in Fort Campbell Kentucky.

More than 6,000 army soldiers are expected to march in the parade.

- Joey Garrison 

Weather update: Light rain

Light rain started to fall on the parade as soldiers in World War I-uniform marched past Trump.

A B-25 bomber flew over the mall ahead of the World War II contingent.

Army spokesman Steve Warren said the weather, so far, wasn’t a problem.

“There are more than 1,000 paratroopers here today. When it rains, most paratroopers look up at the sky and say ‘is that all you got?’”

- Tom Vanden Brook

Fife and drum corps, Golden Knights perform for Trump

The first military members to perform in front of Trump’s stage was the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, a group that depicts the uniforms and instruments used by the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.

Next, several parachutes from the Golden Knights Parachute team jumped from planes with their equipment.

- Joey Garrison 

Crowd sings ‘Happy Birthday’ to Trump as military parade begins

Two military tanks are positioned in front of the stage where Trump, Cabinet members and other top allies are watching. The White House is in the backdrop.

Some in the crowd started singing happy birthday to the president after Trump arrived on stage with first lady Melania Trump.

A short video ahead of the parade chronicled the history of the U.S. Army beginning with its role in the Revolutionary Army that gave the United States its freedom.

- Joey Garrison

Parade-goers unworried about early start

Thousands of people still zig-zagged Constitution Avenue waiting in line to get into the parade viewing area as the event began.

Elijah Donello, 20, said he has waited for more than an hour and isn’t worried about the parade starting early. “We’ll be in position by the time it gets here,” he said.

-Karissa Waddick

Trump arrives for the parade earlier than scheduled 

President Donald Trump arrived at his viewing stand to watch the parade at 5:43 p.m. ET, about a half hour earlier than originally scheduled as evening rain and thunderstorms loom in the forecast.

Trump’s appearance suggests the parade will get underway earlier than the original 6:30 p.m. ET start time, perhaps to avoid the chance of lightning that could disrupt the event.

Trump will watch the parade next to some of his Cabinet members, Republican lawmakers and other top allies.

- Joey Garrison 

Trump Cabinet members, allies assemble to watch parade with president

Much of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet, Republican lawmakers and other top Trump allies have assembled for the president’s military parade that will mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army on Trump’s 79th birthday.

Those situated in a viewing stand where Trump will watch the parade include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, Education Secretary Linda McMahon, Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins and White House Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought.

Also watching from the stand are Republican Reps. Marjorie Taylore Greene of Georgia, Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina, Maria Salazar of Florida, Rich McCormick of Georgia, singer Lee Greenwood (performer of “God Bless the USA,” a Trump favorite) and Dana White House, CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

- Joey Garrison and Francesca Chambers 

Protesters and Trump supporters bicker along parade line

Anti-Trump protesters milled, for the most part quietly, along the perimeter of the parade line, though at times they clashed with the presidents supporters.

One man asked the protesters how much they were being paid.

Paul Williams, 58, yelled back “freedom is free.”

A school teacher from Silver Spring, Maryland, Williams said military parades in the U.S. aren’t “unprecedented” but he is worried about the “atmosphere” of this one, and how much it could cost the federal government.

“I think it's just inappropriate to be celebrating,” he said.

-Karissa Waddick

Army spokesman on weather forecast: 'This parade will happen'

The Army’s daylong festival on the National Mall, celebrating its 250th anniversary, came off without a hitch, Army spokesman Steve Warren said.

The weather, though muggy, cooperated for events like fitness challenges.

“The festival has been a great success," Warren said "People from all walks of life spent the day connecting with soldiers and learning about America’s Army. The parade will be icing on the Army’s birthday cake."

Perhaps.

Rain and possible thunderstorms crept toward Washington from the west late Saturday afternoon.

“The Army doesn’t have any concerns about the weather," Warren said. "This parade will happen."

If the weather turns nasty, the Army could modify or cancel flyovers by aircraft.

"But the parade is a go," Warren said.

- Tom Vanden Brook

Parade goers line up for blocks

The line to get into the parade extends multiple city blocks, stretching around the Smithsonian Museum of American History, and then looping back into the street.

Vendors are wheeling carts along the road, selling hats, T-shirts and Spongebob Squarepants Popsicles.

Those waiting say the line has moved quickly.  Standing near the front, waving a red fan, Chelsea Monk, 34, said she had only waited about five minutes.

-Karissa Waddick

White House protesters disperse

The demonstrators outside the White House are dispersing after more than an hour of protesting. Hundreds are headed home, to the metro, and back to their hotels.

Leo Pargo, one of the event’s organizers, said they have no plans to protest the parade beginning at 6:30 p.m.

—Rachel Barber

Protest signs outside the White House

Though the demonstration outside the White House is not officially a “No Kings” protest, several attendees have written the slogan on their signs.

Other signs include “Due process is for everyone,” “Immigrants make America great,” and “Those who ban history want to repeat it.”

— Rachel Barber

Refuse Fascism’ demonstration begins  in D.C.

There weren’t any ‘No Kings’ protests originally scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C. during Trump’s military parade but reports early Saturday afternoon show a small demonstration beginning to form.

A group called “Refuse Fascism” started assembling in Logan Circle with about 500 people reportedly marching to Lafayette Park just in front of the White House.

“Fascist America – We say no! Now’s the time for Trump to go,” the crowd chanted, according to the NBC affiliate in Washington.

— Phillip M. Bailey

MAGA merch for sale

About a block from the festival, local vendors are selling “Make America Great Again” red baseball caps and white cowboy hats.

Trump shirts are for sale including one that depicts the president in front of the White House and reads “daddy’s home.”

- Rachel Barber

The sun is out in Washington

Although potential showers and thunderstorms are expected Saturday evening, it’s a sunny and humid 82 degrees in Washington as of 2:30 p.m.

Trash cans at the National Mall are overflowing with water cups as attendees heat up and apply sunscreen.

— Rachel Barber

Who sponsored the festivities?

Signs around the festival list several companies as sponsors of the event.

Among them are Walmart, Lockheed Martin, and RTX, formerly known as Raytheon Technologies.

- Rachel Barber

Music on the main stage

Country music artist Noah Hicks took the main stage to perform several songs, including his yet to be released single “Small Town Does.”

Nearby, families play Connect Four, cornhole and flag football on the grass.

- Rachel Barber

Last military parade in D.C. was 1991

Supporters say it’s a much-needed showcase of American pride celebrating the Army, while critics slam it as a president's ego trip.

But Saturday’s military parade isn’t the first in the nation’s capital. That last one was the National Victory Celebration, which took place June 8, 1991, two months after the end of Operation Desert Storm.

“By God, we’ve kicked the Vietnam syndrome once and for all,” President George H.W. Bush said in March 1991, after the U.S.-led coalition kicked the Iraqi army out of Kuwait in a war that lasted about 100 hours.

Some back then called the parade -- which cost about $12 million before inflation -- "a waste of time, effort and money," but mostly it was a patriotic celebration that turned out roughly 800,000 people that didn't feature nationwide protests.

— Phillip M. Bailey

Trump: A ‘rainy day’ brings good luck

The president isn’t letting a poor forecast dampen his mood as he celebrates his 79th birthday and the Army’s 250th.

“OUR GREAT MILITARY PARADE IS ON, RAIN OR SHINE,” Trump said in a Saturday morning post on Truth Social, his social media platform. “REMEMBER, A RAINY DAY PARADE BRINGS GOOD LUCK. I’LL SEE YOU ALL IN D.C.”

Rain and thunderstorms might damper the massive military showcase as much eastern half of the country are experiencing showers through the weekend. Remember the event is standing room only, according to the Secret Service.

This isn’t the first time Mother Nature has crashed a Trump event. If you recall, in January his second inauguration had to be moved to inside the U.S. Capitol due to intense cold.

— Phillip M. Bailey

Fitness competition underway

Dripping in sweat, U.S. Army Maj. Andres Nanez is proud he and his team finished the fitness competition on the National lawn in 10 minutes and seven seconds.

The timed test of endurance features a rope climb, Echo Bike ride, a three-person dead lift of more than 500 pounds, burpees and more, as spectators cheer on participants.

Nanez left the Fort Bragg base in North Carolina to attend the Saturday’s festivities with his fellow soldiers and family.

“Representing the U.S. Army is what brought us all together and to compete at the biggest stage,” Nanez said. “Definitely enjoying this moment.”

— Rachel Barber

‘God saved Trump so he can save America’

Decked in a red, white, and blue suit embellished with the iconic image of President Donald Trump holding his fist in the air after an assassination attempt in Butler, Penn., Tien Tran drew attention from the crowds at the national Mall Saturday morning.

“I’ve been wearing this since after the assassination attempt. I’ve been to rallies and to the inauguration,” Tran said. “God saved Trump so he could save America and he will save the world.”

He’s in town for one day celebrate the military and Trump’s birthday, which he says he celebrates every year in Orange County, Calif.

He sides with Trump in his ongoing arguments between his state’s governor over deployment of the National Guard after protests following ICE raids, saying Gavin Newsom has “failed” Californians.

“They protest because either they are paid to do so or because they don’t love this country,” he alleged. “I’m a legal immigrant and I love this country and I don’t want to see it being destroyed.”

—Rachel Barber

Don’t forget, it’s Flag Day, too

It isn’t just the president and the Army’s birthdays.

June 14 also is when Old Glory, America's symbol of freedom with its 50 stars and 13 stripes, is celebrated.

— Phillip M. Bailey

‘It's pretty cool’: Army’s past on display with historic uniforms

Onlookers will see hundreds of military vehicles and thousands of soldiers on Saturday that will be grouped together for each major era of the Army’s history.

As USA TODAY previously reported, of the roughly 7,000 soldiers flocking to D.C. from bases around the world, about 1,000 will be dressed up in the historical uniforms from Revolutionary War, Civil War, both world wars and other major conflicts.

The costumes were rented from the Motion Picture Costume Company – a Los Angeles-based contractor, and were used at a June 11 performance known as the Twilight Tattoo, which is open to the public weekly from May through July.

"It's pretty cool,"  Private Jonathan Cole, who wore a Gulf War-era camouflage uniform ahead of Saturday's parade, told USA TODAY.

— Phillip M. Bailey, Cybele Mayes-Osterman

Army recruitment up 10% ahead of Trump parade

Part of Saturday’s parade is making a patriotic appeal to future soldiers after years of the Army struggling to meet its recruitment goals.

U.S. military officials announced the branch met its annual recruiting target of 61,000 in the first week of June, which was a full four months ahead of the scheduled. That is roughly 10% higher than the 55,000 recruits the Army reported having last year.

"This achievement represents a significant turning point for the Army and indicates a renewed sense of patriotism and purpose among America's youth,” the Army said in a June 3 statement.

Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll attributed the rise to the “decisive leadership” of Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, but others have spotlighted the Future Soldier Preparatory Course, which was established in August 2022.

Former Army Secretary Christine Wormuth told the Associated Press, for instance, that the program established under Biden might be responsible for as much as a third of this year's recruiting totals.

— Phillip M. Bailey

Who does and doesn’t like the Army, Trump b-day parade

As mentioned before, Americas might not like the cost of Saturday’s parade but a plurality do like the idea of holding one.

A new AP-NORC poll found 40% of U.S. adults approve of Trump’s decision versus 29% who disapprove.

As you may have expected, Democrats and liberal-leaning Americans aren’t too excited about it. Just 20% approve of the president’s decision while 50% disapprove, according to the survey.

But it’s a hit among Republicans and conservative-minded adults, with a whopping 67% giving Trump a thumbs up compared to only 11% who object.

Among independents, slightly more favor the parade than object with 27% approving and 19% disapproving. The remaining 54% said neither.

— Phillip M. Bailey

American metal on full display

Whatever you might think of Saturday’s parade, there’s no question D.C. streets will feel the weight.

The Army has made special preparations to minimize damage to the roadways as tons of vehicles and artillery will be coming through the nation’s capitol, such as:

• The M1A2/Abrams tank: Arguably, the most impressive and fearsome weapon in the parade, or pretty much anywhere at 70 tons, the tank entered Army service 45 years ago and first saw combat in Operation Desert Storm in 1991. It carries a 120mm cannon, robust armor and has a top speed of 45 mph.

• Stryker vehicle: Variants of these eight-wheeled, armored vehicles can carry infantry soldiers, mortars, command posts and act as ambulances. Strykers can carry up to 11 soldiers and reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour.

• The AH-64 Apache: This attack helicopter cuts a menacing silhouette. It destroyed radar installations in Iraq during Desert Storm and provided air cover for convoys and troops on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan.

— Phillip M. Bailey

Trump, the oldest president, turns 79 today

Saturday's parade might may also draw attention to Trump being the oldest commander-in-chief in U.S. history.

Born June 14, 1946, when Harry Truman was president, he set the record for oldest person to take office at 78 years and 7 months, ahead of Joe Biden, who was 78 years and 2 months when he took office in January 2021.

The age of American elected officials has been a topic of concern lately, mostly due to questions raised around Biden's acuity that hounded him for most of his term. Democrats have tried to do the same to Trump, such as when he mixed up the Japanese car company Nissan and the Japanese steel company Nippon last month.

"He is not the same person that I dealt with just four years ago, and he's incapable of even a train of thought," California Gov. Gavin Newsom said of Trump in a recent interview.

But that narrative hasn't stuck to Trump, who is known to ramble in public speeches but comes off as more vigorous to the public than Biden did.

— Phillip M. Bailey

Storm clouds hang over parade

Washington's weather forecast for the day of the parade shows a high of 83 degrees, with showers beginning in the late morning and possible thunderstorms after 2 p.m. local time.

After 6 p.m., when the parade will kick off, forecasters predict a 75% chance of precipitation and some chance of thunder.

The Army said on June 13 that the weather is "being closely monitored and taken into consideration, but at this point nothing has changed."

'No Kings' protests pop up everywhere but DC

More than 1,800 "No Kings" protests against the parade, Trump, and what protesters call his authoritarian policies, are scheduled in cities and towns throughout the world – but not Washington.

Trump first said on June 10 that protests would be met with "very big force." The White House backtracked days later, and press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump "of course" supports peaceful protests.

Other demonstrators have kept their plans in Washington on the day of the parade, with some fearing a crackdown like the response to protests against widescale deportations in Los Angeles.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Massive Army 250 parade takes over DC on Trump birthday; recap