Donald Trump's birthday military parade to be cancelled? Reports suggest a strong possibility - all updates

Donald Trump's highly anticipated military parade, which is scheduled to commemorate both his 79th birthday and the Army's 250th anniversary, could be disrupted.

What does the forecast say about Saturday’s weather?

Forecasters are warning that thunderstorms will hit Washington, D.C. just as the $45 million event begins. The entire celebration is now at risk of being postponed or cancelled.

Officials say safety comes first, and last-minute changes are possible. The D.C. area is expected to experience thunderstorms on Saturday during President Donald Trump's military parade, as per a report by The Independent.


ALSO READ: Alex Padilla removed and detained at Noem’s news conference, video goes viral — here’s all about the Senator
The event may be derailed by the National Weather Service's prediction as of Wednesday that there is a 60% chance of rain on Saturday after 2:00 p.m., with a chance of thunderstorms in the evening.

“Showers likely before 8pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 8pm and 2am, then a chance of showers after 2am,” is what the website currently says for Saturday night. Mostly overcast, with a low of about 70 degrees. There is a 60% chance of precipitation, as per a report by the Daily Beast.

What did the Army say about the likelihood of parade cancellation?

Regarding the anticipated thunderstorms on Saturday, Army chief spokesman Steve Warren told The Times, "Rain won't stop us; the tanks don't melt, but if there is lightning, then that puts the crowd at risk."

"If there is lightning, authorities will disperse the crowd and even cancel or postpone the parade," he stated.

According to the Army, the parade is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at approximately 7:30 p.m., which is 30 minutes ahead of any potential thunderstorms.

Some events, like the Army's Golden Knights parachute jump and the night's fireworks, may be cancelled due to the severity of the weather.

Presenting Trump with a U.S. flag, the Golden Knights Parachute Team is currently scheduled to parachute into the Ellipse, where a concert will take place after the parade.

How are people reacting to the cost and purpose?

The parade has drawn criticism from a number of lawmakers, including Republicans. Senator Rand Paul has likened it to the sabotaged military parades of North Korea and the Soviet Union, as per a report by The Independent.

After the tanks roll through the parade, it could cost up to $16 million to repair the streets of Washington, D.C.

The parade appears to be unpopular with most Americans as well; according to a survey conducted by the NORC and Associated Press, 60% of participants said it was "not a good use of government funds."

In opposition to President Trump's policies, hundreds of cities nationwide will host "No Kings" protests on Saturday to coincide with the president's birthday parade.

FAQs

Will Donald Trump's birthday military parade be cancelled?
It might, as thunderstorms are expected, and lightning may force officials to postpone or cancel it.

Why is there a backlash against the parade?
Many people regard it as wasteful spending, and critics say it resembles authoritarian displays.