On Tuesday, President Donald Trump issued a stern warning against potential protesters at the upcoming military parade in Washington, D.C., scheduled for Saturday. He stated that any demonstrators would be met with “very heavy force” as he characterized them as individuals who “hate our country.” The parade, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, is expected to include tanks, military vehicles, and aircraft, costing approximately $45 million. Trump emphasized the celebration, coinciding with his 79th birthday, as a moment for the nation to honor its military, noting that the U.S. should celebrate its victory in World War II.
Despite no confirmed protests, the D.C. security apparatus is preparing for possible unrest. Matt McCool, the U.S. Secret Service agent overseeing security, mentioned that they are ready to deploy thousands of agents and have established checkpoints for attendees. While several protest permits are pending, McCool indicated that they “don’t have any significant concerns.”
In light of recent immigration protests in Los Angeles, which Trump referred to as actions by “paid insurrectionists,” it is anticipated that similar movements could arise during the parade. The anti-Trump group, No Kings, claims to have organized over 1,800 rallies nationwide on Saturday to oppose what they view as authoritarian overreach by the administration. They criticized the government’s approach to civil unrest, asserting their commitment to reject political violence and demand freedom for all.
Overall, the atmosphere combines national celebration with heightened security and the potential for protests, reflecting ongoing tensions surrounding Trump’s presidency and policies.
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