WASHINGTON, D.C. (LOOTPRESS) — President Donald Trump on Tuesday issued a stern warning to anyone planning to protest during this weekend’s military parade in the nation’s capital, promising that demonstrators will be met with “very big force.”
“We’re going to celebrate big on Saturday,” Trump told reporters from the Oval Office. “If any protesters want to come out, they will be met with very big force.” He repeated the message later at Fort Bragg, stating, “People that want to protest will be met with heavy force… These are people that hate our country.”
The military parade, scheduled for Saturday, will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and coincides with Trump’s 79th birthday. It will feature an elaborate display of military hardware, including 28 Abrams tanks, 28 Bradley Fighting Vehicles, 28 Stryker vehicles, four Paladin self-propelled howitzers, and 50 military aircraft. Eight marching bands, 24 horses, two mules, and a dog will also take part.
“This is going to be a parade the likes of which I don’t know if we’ve ever had,” Trump said. “Thousands and thousands of soldiers” will march in period uniforms representing different eras of the U.S. military.
The president’s comments come just days after he deployed National Guard and Marine units to Los Angeles in response to protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. Trump did not confirm any known plans for protests in D.C. during the parade but reiterated his warning nonetheless.
Federal and local officials have acknowledged at least nine planned protest gatherings in the capital. However, law enforcement agencies including the U.S. Secret Service and the Metropolitan Police Department have indicated they expect the demonstrations to remain peaceful.
“From a Secret Service perspective, it’s simply people using that First Amendment right to protest,” said Matt McCool, special agent in charge of the Secret Service’s Washington Field Office. “If that turns violent or any laws are broken, that’s when authorities will step in.”
Army spokesman Steve Warren emphasized the military’s stance on peaceful protest, stating, “We’re not doing crowd control.” He reaffirmed the Army’s motto — “This we’ll defend” — as a commitment to protecting constitutional rights.
Despite assurances of peaceful intentions from protest organizers, Trump’s remarks signal a more confrontational tone. National Guard units from the District of Columbia and other states will be activated for the event, though they will remain unarmed.
Meanwhile, outside the capital, several progressive groups are planning protests in opposition to the Trump administration. A large demonstration titled “No Kings” is set to take place in Philadelphia, highlighting concerns about the militarization of national celebrations and executive overreach.
