US President Donald Trump on Saturday presided over a military parade in Washington to mark the 250th anniversary of the US Army and Flag Day – both of which happened to fall on his 79th birthday.
Tanks and troops made the journey down Constitution Avenue in the US capital, while jets soared in the skies above.
Cannon were fired, military marching bands played and patriotic songs were sung.
Mr Trump watched from the stands, flanked by his wife, first lady Melania Trump, and Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth.
“Thanks to their [the army's] extraordinary service and devotion, 250 years later, America stands tall, America stands proud and America stands free,” Mr Trump said, recounting famed military exploits throughout US history. “We're the hottest country in the world, right now.”
The streets were packed, with many wearing shirts and hats showing their support for Mr Trump. Some also wore attire disparaging Democrats.
Right outside the fenced-off parade venue, Trump merchandise sellers were plentiful.
“We’ve got a beautiful pink hat, too,” shouted one of the merchants trying to sell hats embroidered with the President's name to parade attendees queuing before the event began.
Streets along the parade route were shut down, and security checkpoints were set up for those attending the ceremony.
“If you have anything that’s in a bottle or can you’re not getting through that security gate,” shouted one of the security workers, talking to visitors queuing outside the security gates. “These things [full can] could be used as weapons, that’s why we’re taking them, but please enjoy yourself.”
Bottles of water and cans of an energy drink called “Phorm Energy” were passed out to visitors on entering. The flavour of the energy drink was “Screamin' Freedom”.
In the US capital, large-scale military parades are rare.
The last time a similar parade took place was in 1991 shortly after the US liberated Kuwait from Saddam Hussein.
Yet Mr Trump, going back to his first term in office, has always wanted to hold one.
This parade has not been without controversy.
Critics have called it ostentatious, drawing comparisons to dictatorships like North Korea.
“Military parades are about honouring those who have served, not praising a president who only thinks about himself,” Arizona Democratic Senator Mark Kelly posted on X.
Even some Republicans have expressed reservations. Senator Rand Paul said that he did not think the parade was appropriate.
“Never been a big fan of goose-stepping soldiers and big tanks and missiles rolling down the street,” he told reporters. “So, if you ask me, I wouldn't have done it.”
The timing of the US military parade amid the deadly air strikes exchanged between Israel and Iran and coupled with the deteriorating situation in Gaza, also proved to be problematic juxtaposition.
In addition, the Trump administration has made slashing government spending one of its central policy goals. Most estimates indicated that the planning and logistics for the parade cost US taxpayers as much as $45 million
About six in 10 Americans have said the parade is “not a good use” of government spending, according to a Thursday poll conducted by the Associated Press-Norc Centre for Public Affairs Research.
There were concerns from local elected officials in Washington that the large, heavy would damage to the streets in the US capital.
But for those in attendance, many of whom queued for hours before it started to get a prime spot, the critics, concerns and worries about the parade seemed to melt on contact.
“Well, other countries celebrate and have military parades, in France, everybody celebrates it, why can’t we?” said Jeanette, who told The National that she had travelled from Indiana to see the event.
“I’m here to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Army, and also it’s Trump’s birthday today.”
There were protests outside the parade as well, though Mr Trump had said in recent days that any demonstration would be met with “very big force”. About 400 people, organised by a group called RefuseFascism.org, marched through Washington and gathered for a rally in a park opposite the White House.
Large protests against the Trump administration, called “No Kings” demonstrations, drew thousands of participants in various other cities throughout the country.
“I did see a few protesters on my way here, near the metro station,” said Joseph Casaretto, who travelled from Texas to watch the event. “But the protests were small, absolutely nothing like you're seeing in Los Angeles.”
Another Washington parade visitor, US Army veteran Zachary Lambidakis urged critics of the parade and Mr Trump's decision to hold the parade, to focus their energies elsewhere.
“Enjoy the whole process,” he said. “Yes, there’s going to be some issues or some conflicts but that’s perfectly normal and not everybody is going to agree, but we can agree to disagree.”
Mr Lambidakis said he could not remember a similar event taking place in Washington for his entire adult life, and that it was long overdue.
“We’re being blessed with the opportunity to appreciate our veterans and the active-duty people,” he said.
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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United States
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China
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3.
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UAE
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Japan
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5
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Norway
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Canada
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Singapore
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Australia
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Saudi Arabia
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South Korea
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Honeymoonish
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The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
MEYDAN%20RACECARD
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Despacito's dominance in numbers
Released: 2017
Peak chart position: No.1 in more than 47 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Lebanon
Views: 5.3 billion on YouTube
Sales: With 10 million downloads in the US, Despacito became the first Latin single to receive Diamond sales certification
Streams: 1.3 billion combined audio and video by the end of 2017, making it the biggest digital hit of the year.
Awards: 17, including Record of the Year at last year’s prestigious Latin Grammy Awards, as well as five Billboard Music Awards
How to volunteer
The UAE volunteers campaign can be reached at www.volunteers.ae , or by calling 800-VOLAE (80086523), or emailing info@volunteers.ae.
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
CREW
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Wonka
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Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Our legal advisor
Ahmad El Sayed is Senior Associate at Charles Russell Speechlys, a law firm headquartered in London with offices in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Hong Kong.
Experience: Commercial litigator who has assisted clients with overseas judgments before UAE courts. His specialties are cases related to banking, real estate, shareholder disputes, company liquidations and criminal matters as well as employment related litigation.
Education: Sagesse University, Beirut, Lebanon, in 2005.
Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Formula One top 10 drivers' standings after Japan
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes 306
2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari 247
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes 234
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull 192
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari 148
6. Max Verstappen, Red Bull 111
7. Sergio Perez, Force India 82
8. Esteban Ocon, Force India 65
9. Carlos Sainz Jr, Toro Rosso 48
10. Nico Hulkenberg, Renault 34
RESULT
Al Hilal 4 Persepolis 0
Khribin (31', 54', 89'), Al Shahrani 40'
Red card: Otayf (Al Hilal, 49')
Afcon 2019
SEMI-FINALS
Senegal v Tunisia, 8pm
Algeria v Nigeria, 11pm
Matches are live on BeIN Sports
Results
4pm: Al Bastakiya – Listed (TB) $150,000 (Dirt) 1,900m; Winner: Panadol, Mickael Barzalona (jockey), Salem bin Ghadayer (trainer)
4.35pm: Dubai City Of Gold – Group 2 (TB) $228,000 (Turf) 2,410m; Winner: Walton Street, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
5.10pm: Mahab Al Shimaal – Group 3 (TB) $228,000 (D) 1,200m; Winner: Canvassed, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson
5.45pm: Burj Nahaar – Group 3 (TB) $228,000 (D) 1,600m; Winner: Midnight Sands, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson
6.20pm: Jebel Hatta – Group 1 (TB) $260,000 (T) 1,800m; Winner: Lord Glitters, Daniel Tudhope, David O’Meara
6.55pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 – Group 1 (TB) $390,000 (D) 2,000m; Winner: Salute The Soldier, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass
7.30pm: Nad Al Sheba – Group 3 (TB) $228,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: Final Song, Frankie Dettori, Saeed bin Suroor
The Al Barzakh Festival takes place on Wednesday and Thursday at 7.30pm in the Red Theatre, NYUAD, Saadiyat Island. Tickets cost Dh105 for adults from platinumlist.net
57%20Seconds
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LIGUE 1 FIXTURES
All times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Friday
Nice v Angers (9pm)
Lille v Monaco (10.45pm)
Saturday
Montpellier v Paris Saint-Germain (7pm)
Bordeaux v Guingamp (10pm)
Caen v Amiens (10pm)
Lyon v Dijon (10pm)
Metz v Troyes (10pm)
Sunday
Saint-Etienne v Rennes (5pm)
Strasbourg v Nantes (7pm)
Marseille v Toulouse (11pm)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
THE SPECS
Aston Martin Rapide AMR
Engine: 6.0-litre V12
Transmission: Touchtronic III eight-speed automatic
Power: 595bhp
Torque: 630Nm
Price: Dh999,563
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
Ponti
Sharlene Teo, Pan Macmillan
The Saga Continues
Wu-Tang Clan
(36 Chambers / Entertainment One)
