Washington, D.C. is about to turn into a full-blown action movie set—with tanks, fighter jets, and more than six thousand troops rolling through the capital this weekend.
It’s all going down on June 14, which just happens to be the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday, Flag Day, and Donald Trump’s 79th birthday. Coincidence? We’ll let you decide.
According to The New York Post, the military hardware started arriving earlier this week after a 1,300-mile journey. Think: Abrams tanks, Bradley Fighting Vehicles, and enough firepower to make a Fast & Furious sequel jealous.
And it’s not just tanks. The U.S. Army is unleashing a parade lineup of 6,600 active-duty troops, 150 vehicles, and 50 aircraft. That’s right—50. Jets, helicopters, you name it. According to the Defense Department, this is a one-time-only, “massive tribute to American strength and heritage.”
The cost? Between $25 million and $45 million, depending on how much road repair is needed after all those treads roll through. Yep, the streets will literally be armored. Officials are laying down metal plating to protect D.C.’s roads. Because apparently, tanks and cobblestones don’t mix well.
According to The Economic Times, expect 18 miles of fencing, 175 metal detectors, drone surveillance, and strict flight restrictions. Even Reagan National Airport will briefly pause operations during aerial flyovers.
The parade is already sparking backlash. Critics, including some Republicans, are calling it a vanity project. Senator Rand Paul compared it to something you’d see in “Pyongyang, not Pennsylvania Avenue,” according to NBC News.
In his Truth Social post, the former president wrote, “Any protesters will be met with very big force.” Subtle? Not really. But it got attention. Axios reported the quote as part of their weekend rundown.
Still, protesters aren’t backing down. At least nine protest permits have been approved across the city, with activist groups like “No Kings” organizing a counter-celebration. Expect loud voices and even louder signs.
The parade itself kicks off with a festival and fitness challenge (because sure, why not), followed by the big military procession and a fireworks finale from the Ellipse around 9:45 PM. Patriotic? Definitely. Peaceful? We’ll see.