Overview

• President Trump administered the oath of enlistment to new and reenlisting soldiers and praised the U.S. Army’s strength in brief remarks on his 79th birthday
• More than 6,000 troops marched down Constitution Avenue alongside WWII Sherman tanks, Black Hawk helicopters and other military equipment in Washington The Department of Defense estimated the event cost between $25 million and $45 million, drawing criticism over the expenditure
• Organizers of the 'No Kings' movement held protests in hundreds of cities, claiming millions joined demonstrations against perceived militarism
• Thousands braved a rainy forecast and security lockdown to attend the parade as most Republican lawmakers chose not to participate