Tanks, helicopters and a military parade: How Donald Trump is spending his 79th birthday
WASHINGTON â President Donald Trumpâs birthday will be full of pomp and circumstance as the 79-year-old politician celebrates with a military parade.
The Army expects as many as 200,000 people to show up at the Washington, D.C. parade that formally honors the U.S. Armyâs formation yet coincides with Trumpâs own birthday.
Members of the presidentâs family will be in town for the occasion, two sources familiar with the presidentâs plans said. Trumpâs birthday and the parade fall on Fatherâs Day weekend, which is the following day.
The parade that could cost the federal government as much as $45 million to put on is also expected to draw protesters, as critics of the administration participate in âNo Kingsâ Day demonstrations across the country.
Organizers say they expect millions of Americans to turn out across the country at the protests, some 2,000 of which are taking place nationwide, to show their displeasure with Trumpâs expansive use of executive authority.
The president came under heavy scrutiny this week after he sent the National Guard and marines to Los Angeles amid protests. California Gov. Gavin Newsom and other national Democrats criticized the move as authoritarian.
Trump turns 79
Trump and former President Joe Bidenâs ages were a flashpoint in last yearâs presidential campaign. Biden quit the Democratic ticket after several episodes, including a debate with Trump, raised doubts about his ability to do the job.
Biden turned 82 in November. He was the oldest president in American history. In January, Trump became the oldest U.S. president to be inaugurated, at age 78. Like Biden, he will be 82 at the end of his term.
His White House physician, Sean Barbabella, said in April that Trump “remains in excellent health,” due to his “active lifestyle,â including public appearances and âfrequent victories in golf events.â
Thunderstorms and rain are expected Saturday. Trump frequently plays golf over the weekend but was not expected to on his birthday. The military parade comes amid an explosive conflict between Israel and Iran. Trump also has a trip to Canada on Sunday to meet with leaders of the worldâs top economies.
A âgrandâ parade
The presidentâs birthday-themed parade was eight years in the making.
Heâs been floating the idea since before his first inauguration. Trump told the Washington Post in 2017 that he wanted to show off Americaâs military at parades in Washington, D.C. and New York.
Trump drew inspiration from the Bastille Day celebration that takes place in Paris every July 14. The president and first lady Melania Trump attended the military parade as guests of French President Emmanuel Macron in the summer of 2017.
He told Macron later that year that he wanted to have a âreally great parade to show our military strengthâ after what he witnessed during his visit to France.
âWe may do something like that on July 4th in Washington,â Trump told Macron. âWe’re going to have to try and top it.â
That year Macron rolled down the Champs-EĚlyseĚes in a military jeep. Trump will be watching his parade on Constitution Avenue from a viewing stand.
According to America250, which is organizing the event, veterans, active-duty troops, wounded warriors and Gold Star Families will be in attendance, in addition to members of the general public.
As many as 120 vehicles, including Abrams tanks, Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles and military helicopters are expected to be part of the display of American military hardware.
