Donald Trump military parade Updates: Trump addresses US military parade in DC as ‘No Kings’ protests erupt nationwide

Several bursts of fireworks lit up the sky over the crowd gathered for Saturday’s events, as patriotic songs played in the background.

Videos were also shown featuring military members sharing what their service means to them.

An estimated 50,000 people took part in the “No Kings” demonstrations across New York City on Saturday, a law enforcement official said.

So far, eight people have been arrested, all in lower Manhattan, in connection with the protests.

Country singer Lee Greenwood took the stage at the end of Saturday’s Army birthday parade, performing his signature song “God Bless the USA.” — a staple at Trump rallies.

Wearing a blue-and-white sport coat and tie, Greenwood ended his performance with a salute to the troops: “God bless the United States Army.”

“If you threaten the American people, our soldiers are coming for you,” President Donald Trump said, boasting about the strength of the US military during his speech at the Army’s 250th anniversary parade.

Trump said America’s enemies have always regretted challenging its armed forces. He praised U.S. soldiers as relentless warriors who “fight, fight, fight and win, win, win” — echoing a familiar line from his 2024 campaign rallies.

President Donald Trump defended the high cost of the military parade, saying, “Every other country celebrates their victories. It’s about time America did too.”

The military has estimated the event’s cost to be between $25 million and $45 million.

President Donald Trump is delivering a speech at the Army’s 250th birthday celebration in Washington, DC, after being introduced by Vice President JD Vance.

His remarks come after the largest military parade the capital has seen in decades. The event also marks Trump’s 79th birthday.

Some of the equipment in the Army parade isn’t just for show — it’s the same gear being used by Ukrainian forces in their fight against Russia.

The US has supplied large amounts of military aid to Ukraine, including weapons from its own stockpiles. Here’s a look at some of the US equipment shown in the parade that has also been sent to Ukraine, according to the State Department:

Bradley fighting vehicles – Over 300

Abrams tanks – 31

Stryker armored vehicles – Over 400

105mm howitzers – 72, plus 1 million artillery shells

155mm howitzers – Over 200, plus over 3 million shells

HIMARS rocket systems – Over 40

These weapons have played a key role on the front lines in Ukraine.

Wrapping up the Army’s parade, hundreds of future troops marched down Constitution Avenue, led by the U.S. Military Academy band. They included cadets from Texas A&M, the Virginia Military Institute, and The Citadel, along with new enlistees in basic training.

The final group featured 250 brand new recruits and re-enlisting soldiers. As they reached the president, they turned to face him, raised their right hands, and repeated the oath of enlistment as Donald Trump swore them into service.

WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 14: U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump stand together at the end of the U.S Army parade on June 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. The U.S. Army is marking its 250th birthday with the military parade including roughly 6,600 troops, 150 vehicles, and over 50 aircraft. The parade, which coincides with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday, is designed to tell the history of the Army. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Andrew Harnik / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

Following the Apaches, groups of Black Hawks and Chinooks flew over the parade route in quick succession.

The thunder of rotors beneath low, grey clouds drew the crowd’s attention skyward. Many paused to film the flyovers, with helicopters proving to be one of the most captivating moments of the day.

Los Angeles police are working to clear protesters from a “No Kings” demonstration downtown, using devices that release smoke or gas, according to video from the scene.

Protesters were seen backing away as the devices were deployed. Around the same time, LAPD issued dispersal orders in several downtown areas, saying people had been throwing rocks, bricks, bottles, and other objects.

“Less lethal has been approved,” police said on X, warning that the devices could cause pain and urging people to leave the area.

The protest is part of a larger wave of “No Kings” demonstrations nationwide. In Los Angeles alone, more than 20,000 people have joined the protests, which have focused heavily on immigration issues this week.

Nine Apache helicopters flew over the parade route, drawing attention to the Army’s powerful combat and ground support capabilities.

Meanwhile, soldiers on the ground displayed the latest in military technology — from modern rifles and vehicles to drones buzzing overhead — highlighting the Army’s cutting-edge equipment for future missions.

The last section of the parade highlights the Army’s future.

Led by the US Military Academy band, hundreds of future soldiers marched — including cadets from Texas A&M’s Army Corps, the Virginia Military Institute, The Citadel in South Carolina, and new enlistees currently in training.

To close the segment, 250 new recruits and re-enlisting soldiers will march up to President Trump, turn to face him, and raise their right hands as he administers their oath of enlistment.

The military parade is expected to cost between $25 million and $45 million, with much of it covered by corporate sponsors.

Some sponsors have close ties to President Donald Trump. They include cryptocurrency company Coinbase, which recently added his campaign manager to its advisory board, and tech firm Palantir, founded by billionaire Peter Thiel, a former employer of Vice President JD Vance.

UFC founder Dana White, a longtime Trump ally, also attended the event and joined the president at the reviewing stand.

Major defence contractors like Amazon and Lockheed Martin also contributed to funding the parade.

US Army personnel and military equipment are reviewed by US President Donald Trump (3rd R, top R) during a parade celebrating the 250th anniversary of the US army on June 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump’s long-held dream of a parade will come true as nearly 7,000 troops plus dozens of tanks and helicopters rumble through the capital in an event officially marking the 250th anniversary of the US army which coincides with his 79th birthday. (Photo by Kenny HOLSTON / POOL / AFP)

US Army troops marched down Constitution Avenue in Washington, DC, as the military parade highlighted different chapters of the Army’s history — from the Revolutionary War to today.

Each era was marked with vintage uniforms and historical equipment, while the parade emcee shared brief details about the conflicts and gear featured.

Image: AFP

Here’s a look at the equipment on display:

World War I

Dodge Staff car

Renault tank

World War II

6 Willys jeeps

2 Sherman tanks

2 Half-tracks

1 M14 high-speed tractor

2.5-ton truck towing a 37mm anti-tank gun

Vietnam War

3 M151 jeeps

2 M35A2 cargo trucks

1 M274 Mule

Gulf War

8 M181 armoured vehicles

2 Paladins

8 M2 Bradley fighting vehicles

6 M119 howitzers

Global War on Terror

18 Strykers

Modern Era 1

6 M777 artillery pieces

12 M2 Bradley fighting vehicles

4 M119 howitzers

12 ISV utility vehicles

12 Abrams tanks

Modern Era 2

3 Paladins

12 Strykers

12 M2 Bradley fighting vehicles

9 M777 artillery pieces

9 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles

12 Abrams tanks

The final section of the parade will be a powerful 31-minute display of the Army’s heavy equipment, showing what it may use in future conflicts.

It will feature dozens of Black Hawk helicopters, various types of towed and self-propelled artillery, and the HIMARS rocket system — a weapon highly valued by Ukraine in its war with Russia.

Troops from the 10th Mountain Division, which has deployed more than 20 times to Afghanistan and Iraq since the September 11 attacks, are featured in the parade.

As they march past, the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) flies overhead in the three helicopters they operate: the OH-6 “Little Bird,” the MH-60 Black Hawk, and the MH-47 Chinook.

The event began earlier than planned and is moving quickly, with bad weather still expected in the Washington area.

In just the first 40 minutes, the parade covered over 200 years of U.S. Army history — from its founding in 1775 to the Gulf War in 1991.

Compared to the original schedule, the parade is now nearly 30 minutes ahead. Organisers estimate the full event will last around an hour and a half.

Troops from the 1st Cavalry Division and the 25th Infantry Division are representing the Vietnam War in the parade.

The 1st Cavalry Division, based at Fort Cavazos, Texas, played a key role in capturing Pyongyang during the Korean War.

The 25th Infantry Division, known as “Tropic Lightning” and based in Hawaii, helped defend U.S. bases during the Tet Offensive — a major surprise attack by more than 85,000 Viet Cong and North Vietnamese troops.

The World War II portion of the parade has come to a close, making way for units representing the Korean War which are lined next to showcase their strength in the streets of DC.

The shift highlights the next chapter in the Army’s history as the parade continues through Washington, DC.

The parade featured a flyover of World War II-era aircraft, including the iconic B-25 bomber.

The historic planes soared above the National Mall, adding a powerful tribute to the Army’s 250th birthday celebration.

Nearly a dozen parachuters jumped from a plane over the parade celebrating the Army’s 250th birthday, trailing red smoke across the sky.

The crowd cheered and looked up in awe as the parachuters spiraled down near the Ellipse.

Clouds hung over the Washington Monument as the parade continued below.

The 42nd Infantry Division, known as the “Rainbow Division,” is representing World War I in the parade.

Formed in 1917, the division brought together National Guard troops from 26 states and Washington, DC, to serve overseas.

The nickname came from then-Col. Douglas MacArthur, who said the unit “stretched across America coast-to-coast like a rainbow.” Today, the division still proudly wears a red, yellow, and blue rainbow patch.

The US Army Band performed the service’s official song, “The Army Goes Rolling Along,” as the parade kicks off in Washington, DC.

President Donald Trump and other dignitaries then took their seats as the Old Guard Army Fife and Drum Corps was introduced to perform next.

President Donald Trump was joined by top officials, lawmakers, and special guests at Saturday’s military parade in Washington, DC, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. The event also marked the president’s birthday.

Vice President JD Vance, second lady Usha Vance, and their children arrived ahead of Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.

Several Cabinet members were seen at the parade, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Education Secretary Linda McMahon, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins.

Lawmakers attending included Reps. Richard Hudson (NC), Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA), Rich McCormick (GA), and Maria Elvira Salazar (FL). Also present were EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and OMB Director Russ Vought.

Among the special guests were UFC President Dana White and country singer Lee Greenwood, who Trump said would perform during the parade.

A massive military parade has begun in Washington DC, to celebrate the Army’s 250th birthday, which also falls on President Donald Trump’s birthday.

The parade is moving down Constitution Avenue and is expected to be the largest military display in the capital since 1991, when a similar event marked the end of the Gulf War.

The show includes 28 Abrams tanks, each weighing 70 tons, along with 6,700 soldiers, 50 helicopters, 34 horses, two mules, and one dog.

Vintage uniforms and equipment from different eras — from the Revolutionary War to today — are also on display. The Army’s Golden Knights parachute team is set to land near Trump’s viewing platform and present him with an American flag. A World War II-era B-25 bomber will also fly over the event.

Police used tear gas and arrested at least eight people during a protest against ICE deportations in DeKalb County, Georgia, local officials said.

According to a news release from the county government, protesters stepped onto Chamblee Tucker Road and tried to march toward the interstate ramp, creating a safety risk for both protesters and drivers.

Authorities said the group ignored police orders to return to the sidewalk. “To prevent further escalation and ensure public safety, gas munitions were deployed, and several arrests were made,” the statement read.

Witness Bianca Chavez told CNN that a protest organizer had urged the group to stay on the sidewalk. Her video shows police in riot gear confronting protesters who stayed in the road. Protesters are seen chanting, “Who do you protect? Who do you serve?” and “No justice, no peace.”

As the US Army gears up for the parade marking both Donald Trump’s 79th birthday and the Army’s 250th anniversary, it is also preparing for deep budget cuts.

A memo issued by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in May outlines major changes, including closing or merging headquarters, retiring outdated vehicles and aircraft, cutting up to 1,000 Pentagon jobs, and shifting more personnel into field roles.

Hegseth said the goal is to “build a leaner, more lethal force.”

According to Army spokesman Col. Dave Butler, the changes could save nearly $40 billion over five years.

The cuts come as the Pentagon faces pressure to reduce spending under President Donald Trump and his ally Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent birthday wishes to Donald Trump, calling him Israel’s “greatest friend.”

Alongside a flood watch lasting through 11 pm, the National Weather Service is warning of strong wind gusts sweeping across the Washington area during the parade, news agency AP reported.

Despite the forecast, the White House says the parade will proceed rain or shine. However, officials note that lightning could force a pause in the celebrations.

Donald Trump said Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin had “very nicely” called him Saturday to wish him a happy 79th birthday, as the US president prepares to host a grand military parade in Washington.

“President Putin called this morning to very nicely wish me a Happy Birthday,” Trump, who has alarmed allies with a pivot towards Moscow over Ukraine, said on Truth Social, adding that the call was to “more importantly, talk about Iran.”

The Georgia Republican stopped by the area on the National Mall where Army members are demonstrating how they train with CrossFit.

She also told former Trump strategist Steve Bannon on his “War Room” show that she sees their methods as “the best way to train.”

As Greene spoke, troops could be seen behind her riding stationary bikes and doing team lifting exercises, with the National Monument in the background.

Aaron Bogner, who served in the Army from 1993 to 1996, said Trump is using the American military to advance his personal agenda by having soldiers march in a parade that coincides with his 79th birthday.

“I think it’s shameful. He didn’t serve,” said the 50-year-old Bogner, who wore a camouflage jacket and Army baseball hat. “It’s just an engineered birthday party. It’s an excuse to have tanks in your streets like North Korea.”

Roughly 200 protesters have assembled in northwest Washington’s Logan Circle, about a 20 minute walk from the White House. They’ve handed out signs and danced to upbeat music from a local street band, including “This Land Is Your Land.”

The mood was celebratory as the group chanted “Trump must go now” before erupting in cheers. A larger than life puppet of Trump was wheeled through the crowd: The caricature shows the president wearing a crown and sitting on a golden toilet.

Other protesters waved pride flags and hoisted signs, some with pointed messages such as “I prefer crushed ICE,” “The invasion was HERE Jan. 6th, NOT in L.A.” and “Flip me off if you’re a FASCIST.”

A man wearing a red Make America Great Again hat started hitting golf balls at marchers as they moved through Philadelphia’s Logan Circle.

Marcher Andrew Graziano, 39, from Philadelphia, said marchers tried to ask him nicely to stop. The man protested he’s there every weekend.

The marchers took his golf balls but not his club, and he swiftly disappeared across a city park.

Thousands of people streamed into the blocked-off Benjamin Franklin Parkway as organizers and police directed attendees toward the middle of the six-lane divided thoroughfare for the roughly mile-long march toward the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

State Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic asked people “out of an abundance of caution” not to attend any of the “No Kings” protests that were scheduled for across the state on Saturday.

The warnings come after two Democratic lawmakers and their spouses were shot. Melissa Hortman, a former Minnesota House Speaker, and her spouse were shot and killed early Saturday in their Brooklyn Park home. A second state lawmaker, Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, were shot multiple times in Champlin and were wounded. Officials said the shootings were politically motivated.

Bogojevic said authorities didn’t have any direct evidence that the protests would be targeted, but said the suspect had some “No Kings” flyers in their car.

Organizers announced that all of the protests across the state were canceled.

Police said two Democratic state lawmakers and their spouses were shot in their homes early Saturday by a suspect who may have been posing as a police officer. Gov. Tim Walz said the lawmakers were deliberately targeted, and authorities are still searching for a suspect.

Walz said in social media posts that state law enforcement “is recommending that people do not attend any political rallies today in Minnesota until the suspect is apprehended.”

Walz says that recommendation came from the state Department of Public Safety. Protests rallying against Trump are planned in nearly 2,000 locations across the country — including multiple cities in Minnesota.

An organizer leads protestors in a chant during the “No Kings” protest, Saturday, June 14, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Protesters in cities across the country are waving American flags, days after the presence of Mexican and other Latin American flags at Los Angeles protests was called anti-American by many conservatives.

At “No Kings” rallies from Los Angeles to Tallahassee, Atlanta, Philadelphia and Charlotte, North Carolina, the red-white-and-blue is on prominent display.

The proliferation of flags from other countries like Mexico at earlier Los Angeles demonstrations drew critique from Republicans including Trump. In remarks at Fort Bragg, the president cited the presence of “foreign flags” as evidence of “a foreign invasion of our country.”

Plans for a military parade in Washington to celebrate President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday on Saturday are now uncertain, as officials weigh the possibility of cancellation due to forecasted thunderstorms, according to The Times report.

The event is to mark the 250th anniversary of the US army, but weather concerns have prompted event organisers to reassess safety and logistics. A final decision is expected soon, pending updated forecasts, added the report.