Ahead of a military parade set to take place in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, President Donald Trump warned that any protesters at the event would face “heavy force.”
The parade, which is scheduled to honor the Army’s 250th anniversary and coincide with Trump’s 79th birthday, has raised tensions due to its military spectacle and the president’s remarks about handling potential protests.
Trump’s Warning and Military Parade Plans
In a statement made Tuesday, Trump emphasized the strength and scale of the upcoming military parade, promising an impressive show of tanks, military vehicles, and aircraft. He boasted about the inclusion of 28 Abrams tanks, Bradley Fighting Vehicles, Stryker vehicles, Paladin howitzers, and over 50 aircraft flying overhead.
The parade will also feature eight marching bands, 24 horses, two mules, and even a dog. Trump described the event as “incredible” and suggested that it would be unlike any military parade seen before in the U.S.
As part of his comments, Trump specifically addressed the possibility of protests, stating that “people that want to protest will be met with big force.” He added that he hadn’t heard of any specific plans for protestors but noted that such protests would be associated with individuals “who hate our country.”
His comments sparked controversy, as many questioned what kind of force he was referring to and whether this rhetoric could incite violence or aggression during a public event.
Protest Concerns and Security Measures
While the White House did not provide further details on the type of force Trump had in mind, his remarks were met with concern. ABC News reached out to the White House for clarification but had not received a response on what specific actions were being prepared to respond to protests.
Despite the president’s comments, the U.S. Secret Service, in coordination with local Washington officials, noted that they were monitoring several small protests but did not expect any violence.
Matt McCool, the special agent in charge of the Secret Service’s Washington Field Office, stated that peaceful protests were a protected right under the First Amendment and that law enforcement would only intervene if the protests turned violent or if laws were broken.
In response to the heightened security and the possibility of unrest, the National Guard will be activated. However, they will not be armed, and their role will be limited to supporting law enforcement agencies, such as the Metropolitan Police Department and Park Police, in ensuring the safety of the event.
The U.S. Military’s Position on Protests
The U.S. military has also expressed its stance on the matter. Army spokesman Steve Warren, who previously welcomed peaceful protests, reiterated that the Army’s motto is “this we’ll defend,” a commitment to upholding democratic values, including the right to protest.
Warren confirmed that the Army would not be involved in crowd control during the parade, aligning with the belief that the U.S. military should not act as a police force in domestic settings.
The military’s stance was reinforced by the Army’s public statements, and it is clear that their involvement will be limited to the military display and the celebration of Army history, rather than managing public protests. However, security measures are still in place to address any potential risks to public safety.
Growing Protests Nationwide
While the focus is on the Washington, D.C. parade, protests are expected to spread beyond the capital. Progressive groups have organized demonstrations across the country, with the most significant protest occurring in Philadelphia, named the “No Kings” protest.
This event will coincide with the military parade, amplifying the national resistance against Trump’s policies, especially regarding immigration enforcement and other key issues.