President Trump on Saturday shared his enthusiasm for the day’s festivities despite expected rainy weather conditions.
“OUR GREAT MILITARY PARADE IS ON, RAIN OR SHINE,” Trump wrote Saturday morning on Truth Social.
“REMEMBER, A RAINY DAY P[A]RADE BRINGS GOOD LUCK,” he wrote. “I’LL SEE YOU ALL IN D.C.”
Saturday marks the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, 248th anniversary of the adoption of the U.S. flag and the president’s 79th birthday.
Rain and thunderstorms are forecast for the afternoon in the nation’s capital. Many of the festivities — from a wreath laying ceremony to an Army fitness competition to the highly-anticipated military parade — will take place primarily on the National Mall.
The National Weather Service estimates a 30 percent chance of precipitation throughout the day as of Saturday morning, but heavy rainfall is most likely for the first 90 minutes or so of the parade. A flood watch will also be in effect.
More than 6,000 soldiers dressed in modern and historic uniforms from every major conflict involving the U.S. military will march in the parade, which is estimated to cost more than $45 million. The Army also unveiled that tanks, artillery weapons, tactical vehicles and aircraft would be included in the day’s events.
In an earlier post Saturday, Trump wrote “This is a big day for America!!!” He also wished his followers a “HAPPY FLAG DAY.”
The celebration comes as demonstrations, including those organized by the “No Kings” movement, are expected across the U.S. in opposition to Trump’s robust immigration agenda and his use of the military to quell protests. The organization is notably not rallying in Washington — billing it as a somewhat boycott of the military parade.
The president earlier this week sought to deter protestors from disrupting the events, vowing they would be met with “very big force.”
When asked Thursday about the “No Kings” protests, he quipped, “I don’t feel like a king.”
“I have to go through hell to get stuff approved,” he added, referring to many of his priorities that require Congressional approval.
The turmoil comes after the Trump administration mobilized National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles earlier this week to crack down on protests taking place in the city against immigration raids.
State and local officials, as well as law enforcement, have pushed back on the use of the military to quell the unrest, decrying it as an unnecessary step. Trump has in response doubled down on their decision in recent days, suggesting California officials should be thanking him.
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