Tanks and Helicopters Aplenty: How Donald Trump is Marking His 79th Birthday with a Military Spectacle

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump ’s 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. Army’s formation yet coincides with Trump’s own birthday.

Members of the president’s family will be in town for the occasion, two sources familiar with the president’s plans said. Trump’s birthday and the parade fall on Father’s Day weekend, which is the following day.

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Rain or shine? Trump offers update on weather's impact on military parade

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 “No Kings” 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 Trump’s 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 Biden ’s ages were a flashpoint in last year’s 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,” including public appearances and “frequent victories in golf events.”

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 world’s top economies.

A ‘grand’ parade

The president’s birthday-themed parade was eight years in the making.

He’s been floating the idea since before his first inauguration. Trump told the Washington Post in 2017 that he wanted to show off America’s 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.

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He told Macron later that year that he wanted to have a “really great parade to show our military strength” after what he witnessed during his visit to France.

“We may do something like that on July 4th in Washington,” Trump told Macron. “We're going to have to try and top it.”

That year Macron rolled down the Champs-Élysées 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.

"We want to show off a little bit,” Trump said in a June 10 speech at Fort Bragg.

Bringing up events commemorating WWII that recently took place in Europe and America’s role in the war, Trump said, “France was celebrating. Really, they were all celebrating. The only one that doesn't celebrate is the USA, and we're the ones that won the war.”

“We're going to celebrate on Saturday,” Trump added. “And we're going to celebrate from now on."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tanks, helicopters and a military parade: How Donald Trump is spending his 79th birthday