Due to stormy weather, President Donald Trump’s highly anticipated military parade to celebrate the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday may be scrapped at the last minute.
The massive display of American military might, featuring tanks, fighting vehicles, and thousands of troops, could be canceled due to thunderstorms forecast for Washington, D.C., on Saturday.
The June 14 parade has been years in the making, with a grand military display inspired by France’s Bastille Day celebrations he witnessed in 2017.
Planning for the event includes 28 Abrams tanks, 28 Bradley fighting vehicles, and 28 Stryker vehicles transported from Texas, alongside 6,600 Army troops and vintage military vehicles.
Army spokesman Steve Warren made it clear that while most weather conditions would not impact the parade, lightning poses a serious safety concern.
“Rain won’t stop us, the tanks don’t melt, but if there’s lightning then that puts the crowd at risk,” Warren told reporters.
Warren noted that if lightning threatens, “They will disperse the crowd and even cancel or postpone the parade. It will depend on the president, too, when he’s available.”
The decision on whether to proceed, delay, or cancel will ultimately fall to the Army’s Chief of Staff General Randy George.
The parade is currently scheduled from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., but thunderstorms are common in Washington during June.
“It’s June in Washington DC. We get thunderstorms. You could delay it, you could look at it and say this is just passing through. Or say, hey, this is a storm which gets bigger for a while,” said Warren.
Some lawmakers have criticized the parade, comparing it to displays in authoritarian regimes.
A survey indicated that 60% of Americans do not believe it is a good use of government resources, as it will cost up to $45 million.
Additional costs beyond the parade itself include up to $16 million for street repairs after the heavy vehicles roll through the capital.
President Trump has forcefully defended the parade’s importance. During a speech at Fort Bragg, he emphasized America’s military achievements.
The president stated, “The only one that doesn’t celebrate is the USA and we’re the ones that won the war. Without us, you’d all be speaking German right now. Maybe a little Japanese thrown in.”
This is not the first time weather has threatened President Trump’s events. Rain affected his inauguration day parade in 2017.
Additionally, a previous plan for a military parade on Veterans Day was canceled due to cost concerns.
Some officials reportedly explored weather-control options like cloud seeding, though experts dismiss such techniques as scientifically unproven.
Adding to the tension, anti-Trump protests dubbed “No Kings” are planned to coincide with the parade.
The president has already issued warnings to potential demonstrators, highlighting the charged political atmosphere surrounding the celebration of American military history and strength.
Final decisions about the parade will likely come down to the wire as officials monitor weather forecasts.
