Tanks and Fighter Jets Storm Washington in an Unforgettable Tribute to Trump’s 79th Birthday

More than 100 heavy-duty military vehicles will march down Constitution Avenue this Saturday, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday and the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary. The display is set to cost tens of millions of dollars and will include approximately 6,700 soldiers, 150 vehicles, 50 aircraft, 34 horses, two mules, and one dog.

The event follows President Trump’s decision to deploy 4,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles amid ongoing protests against immigration policies, which have seen both peaceful demonstrations and instances of violence. Observers are critical of the parade’s costs, especially as it unfolds against a backdrop of proposals to cut safety net programs.

In response to potential protests during the event, Trump warned they would be met with “very heavy force.” However, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt asserted the president supports peaceful demonstrations, dismissing any concerns about his earlier comments.

Across the U.S., “No Kings” protests are being organized by a coalition of labor unions and liberal groups, although they are intentionally not scheduled for Washington, D.C. Separate actions may still emerge in the capital, though specifics remain unclear.

Earlier this week, military tanks and equipment were transported into the city from nearby Maryland. The Army confirmed that materials had been staged at a local rail yard before being brought to D.C. Proceeds from the parade will support a festival celebrating the Army’s founding, featuring various activities and appearances by NFL players.

While the festival has been in planning for over a year, details about the parade itself surfaced only recently. A permit application by America250.org, aimed at securing approval for the parade, was published in late March.

Event organizers, linked to the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, have publicly commended Trump for enhancing military readiness and service member compensation—a narrative that has been met with skepticism, as these pay raises were enacted under prior legislation.

With an estimated cost ranging from $25 million to $45 million, the Army has not disclosed the sources of funding. This isn’t the first instance of military display aspirations under Trump; a similar event was canceled in 2018 due to excessive costs, according to reports from NBC.

Security preparations for Saturday’s parade are extensive, with over 18 miles of fencing installed around the route. The U.S. Secret Service is coordinating with other law enforcement agencies to ensure safety and security amidst expected large crowds.

Troops from various divisions, including the National Guard and Army Reserve, are set to participate, showcasing a range of uniforms and equipment representative of American military history. New York National Guard troops have been temporarily housed in federal buildings as they participate in the event.

The parade will feature a series of military aircraft flyovers, and the Golden Knights parachute team will present Trump with a flag after landing on the White House South Lawn. The vehicles will include advanced military models, such as Abrams tanks and lightweight Howitzers currently deployed in Ukraine.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has expressed concerns regarding potential road damage due to the heavy military equipment. However, she acknowledged the Army’s logistical expertise and remains hopeful that any necessary repairs will be funded by the federal government.