Military Parade Begins in Washington Amid Protests, $45M Costs

President Donald Trump celebrated his 79th birthday by attending a grand military parade in Washington, D.C., marking the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary, a long-anticipated event he had sought to hold since 2017 after being inspired by a similar parade in Paris. The parade featured tanks, troops, military aircraft, and a 21-gun salute, with Trump watching from a special viewing stand near the White House despite looming stormy weather. Vice President JD Vance reiterated the Trump administration's strong support for the U.S. Army during the event. However, the parade faced significant criticism for its $45 million cost, potential damage to city streets from heavy vehicles, and the administration's broader use of the military in domestic matters, including recent deployments to manage protests. Across the country, demonstrators protested against Trump, accusing him of authoritarian tendencies and opposing the militarized display. The event concluded with Trump swearing in new and reenlisting troops and a parachute jump by the Army's Golden Knights team.