On Saturday evening, President Trump will attend a grand military parade in Washington, D.C., honoring the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary. This celebration coincides with the president's 79th birthday, making it a dual occasion to remember. According to Army officials, the 250th Birthday of the U.S. Army Grand Military Parade and Celebration will showcase thousands of soldiers, armored tanks, and various aircraft, with attendance expected to reach thousands, if not hundreds of thousands.
The much-anticipated military parade is set to commence at 6:30 p.m. ET, but other festivities will unfold throughout the day. Preparations have been in full swing all week, with tanks arriving in the northwest part of the city, and fencing being set up around the White House and National Mall. In a statement earlier this week, President Trump expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming event, saying, "We're going to have a great time; we are going to have a great celebration."
The purpose of Saturday's events is to commemorate the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army, which was established on June 14, 1775, by the Second Continental Congress, just over a year before the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Originally named the Continental Army, it was led by George Washington as its first commander. More broadly, the president has declared this day a celebration of America's achievements, both in military conflicts and civil progress. Mr. Trump has particularly highlighted significant victories during World War I and World War II, stating, "I think it's time for us to celebrate a little bit… We've had a lot of victories."
While the military parade will celebrate America’s military history, protests are expected in various cities across the nation. Labor unions and liberal activists are organizing No Kings rallies to voice their opposition to President Trump and what they perceive as his overreach. Notably, these organizers have chosen not to host events in Washington, D.C. Instead, they aim to highlight community gatherings across the U.S. as a counter-narrative to the parade.
The president's parade plans have faced criticism regarding both financial costs and public optics. Estimates from the Army suggest that the festivities could range between $25 million and $45 million. Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth, a veteran, has voiced her concerns, stating that Trump is essentially throwing himself a birthday parade to bolster his image. Additionally, some political figures have expressed unease about the military parade, likening it to displays typically seen in authoritarian regimes.
Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky articulated his discomfort, saying, “I’ve never been a big fan of goose-stepping soldiers and big tanks.” He emphasized that America has always prided itself on presenting a different image from authoritarian states like the Soviet Union and North Korea.
Criticism has also come from Democrats regarding the president's approach to potential protests. Trump warned that any demonstrators opposing the parade would be met with “very big force,” a statement that has been labeled as authoritarian by critics. However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt clarified that the president supports peaceful protests and the First Amendment, emphasizing he does not condone violence.
Here is the schedule for the day's events:
8:15 a.m. – Wreath laying at Arlington National Cemetery 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Fitness competition and awards ceremony on the National Mall 11 a.m.-6 p.m. – Army Birthday Festival on the National Mall 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. – U.S. Army 250th Birthday Parade 9:45 p.m. – Fireworks on the National MallThe parade route will run along Constitution Avenue in Washington, D.C., beginning at 23rd Street NW, near the Lincoln Memorial. It will progress along the National Mall, passing the White House and Washington Monument, concluding at 15th Street NW. The parade is expected to start at 6:30 p.m. and finish by 7:30 p.m. Due to road closures, attendees are encouraged to use public transit or walk rather than drive.
For those unable to attend in person, the U.S. Army's 250th Anniversary Grand Military Parade will be streamed live on CBS News 24/7. Here are the details:
What: Military parade marking the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025 Time: 6:30 p.m. ET Location: Washington, D.C.Note: Streaming availability may be subject to change.
