Trump Warns of “Very Heavy Force” Against Protesters at Washington D.C. Military Parade
U.S.
President Donald Trump issued a stern warning on Tuesday, declaring that protesters planning to disrupt his upcoming military parade in Washington, D.C. would be met with “very heavy force.” The parade, scheduled for Saturday to commemorate the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, has sparked controversy amid concerns over its cost and optics.
Speaking from the White House, Trump emphasized the celebratory nature of the event. “We’re going to be celebrating big on Saturday,” he said, asserting a firm stance against potential disruptions.
Cost and Criticism from Lawmakers
The planned parade has drawn criticism from members of Congress, including Republicans who question the justification of its estimated $45 million price tag. An Army spokesperson confirmed the potential expenses tied to the event.
Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) voiced skepticism about the parade’s message, as reported by NBC News. “I wouldn’t have done it,” Paul remarked. He stressed the importance of distancing the U.S. from the militaristic spectacles commonly associated with regimes like the Soviet Union or North Korea, adding, “We were proud not to be that.”
Similarly, Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) expressed opposition to the event, stating that he would not allocate funds for the parade if given the choice.
Heightened Security and Protest Concerns
President Trump’s warning follows his recent deployment of approximately 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles in response to protests related to federal immigration enforcement policies. These deployments have drawn sharp criticism from California’s Democratic leadership, including Governor Gavin Newsom, and civil liberties organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
Governor Newsom has taken legal action, filing a lawsuit against President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to block the deployments, citing concerns about their legality and impact. According to a Pentagon official’s testimony to a House subcommittee on Tuesday, the deployments will cost around $134 million.
Firm Stance on Protesters
Trump reiterated his readiness to confront any opposition at the parade, stating, “And if there’s any protester that wants to come out, they will be met with very big force.” He repeated this warning twice, underscoring his intolerance for dissent.
“I haven’t even heard about a protest, but you know, this is people that hate our country, but they will be met with very heavy force,” Trump declared.
Despite the president’s strong rhetoric, security officials and the U.S. Secret Service reported during a briefing on Monday that they are currently monitoring approximately nine planned protests related to the parade, which coincides with Trump’s 79th birthday.