Trump Says Army’s 250th Parade is Happening—Storms Be Damned
So here’s the thing—the U.S. Army’s big 250th birthday bash in D.C.? It’s happening. Period. Doesn’t matter that the weather folks are predicting thunderstorms so nasty they’d make Noah nervous. Trump made that crystal clear yesterday: “Rain or shine, we’re doing this.” Classic Trump, right? Framing it as some kind of tribute to military toughness. But let’s be real—there’s way more going on here than just some rain-soaked tanks rolling down Pennsylvania Avenue.
250 Years of Army History—And They Want a Party
Okay, so 250 years—that’s a big deal. Like, “your grandparents’ grandparents were there” kind of old. The parade’s supposed to have all the usual stuff: marching bands, old-timey uniform displays, enough military hardware to make an arms dealer blush. Thousands of people are expected to show up, which makes sense—when does the Army ever get to be the center of attention without someone shooting at them?
But here’s what gets me—this isn’t just some Fourth of July parade with extra tanks. The Army’s been there since before we were even a proper country. From beating the British to whatever mess we’re in now, they’ve been the backbone of this nation. Canceling because of some rain? That’d send a message, alright. Just maybe not the one anyone wants.
Trump’s Playing Chicken With Thunderstorms
The weather people aren’t messing around—they’re talking 40 mph winds, flash floods, the whole nine yards. And Trump’s response? Basically “hold my umbrella.” His exact words: “The men and women of the Army don’t back down from a little rain.” Which, fair point—but last I checked, most parade spectators aren’t exactly wearing combat boots.
We’ve seen this before—remember Obama’s second inauguration? That was colder than a witch’s… well, you know. But this storm looks next-level. Makes you wonder—is this about honoring soldiers, or is it about Trump being Trump?
When Getting Wet Becomes Political
Here’s where it gets interesting. Trump’s whole brand is that “never back down” attitude. His supporters eat that up—see it as him channeling the Army’s tough-as-nails spirit. But critics? They’re calling it what it is: a photo op that could turn dangerous real quick.
Social media’s split right down the middle. You’ve got veterans saying “we survived worse in ‘Nam” (which, respect), and then others asking why we’re making octogenarian vets sit through what’s basically a hurricane. #RainOrRetreat is trending, which—come on, that’s kinda clever.
Okay, But What If Someone Gets Hit By Lightning?
Organizers swear they’ve got it covered—extra medics, weather updates blaring over loudspeakers, the works. They might cut the route short if things get really wild, but cancel? Not happening. D.C. emergency crews are on standby like it’s the apocalypse.
One city councilmember put it perfectly: “This isn’t Fallujah—it’s supposed to be a party.” And yet, here we are, treating a parade like a military operation. Irony’s a funny thing.
Veterans Weigh In—And It’s Complicated
Talked to a few vets about this. You’ve got guys like retired Sgt. Major Dixon saying “please—we marched through monsoons in basic training.” Then there’s Lisa Tran, Navy vet, who asked the real question: “You really want 80-year-olds sitting in metal bleachers during a thunderstorm?”
Twitter’s having a field day, obviously. Best take I saw? “If Trump survived two impeachments, he can survive some rain.” Counterpoint: “Tell that to the kid who gets struck by lightning holding a tiny American flag.”
That Old Military Superstition About Rain
Here’s a fun twist—apparently there’s some old soldier’s tale that rain on a big day means good luck. D-Day was overcast, Washington crossed the Delaware in a storm, yada yada. Retired Colonel McKenna told me, “Rain washes the slate clean—maybe that’s what we need.”
Wonder if Trump knows about this. Knowing him, he’d probably claim he invented the saying.
How the Media’s Spinning This Thing
Flip through the channels and it’s night and day. Fox is all “Trump shows true leadership,” while MSNBC’s acting like he’s sending toddlers into a tornado. NPR’s being NPR—talking about how this fits Trump’s whole complicated military love affair.
Politically? This could play either way. His base will eat up the “never surrender” bit. But suburban moms worried about little Timmy getting swept away by a flash flood? Maybe not so much. And with 2024 coming up, every little thing matters—even a wet parade.
Bottom Line
At the end of the day, this parade was always going to be about more than just celebrating 250 years. Now? It’s turned into this weird test of… something. American resolve? Trump’s stubbornness? Our collective tolerance for getting drenched?
One thing’s for sure—whether it’s remembered as a triumph or a total washout, people will be talking about it. And isn’t that the point?
What do you think—should they tough it out or reschedule? Hit me in the comments. And try to stay dry.
If You Want to Go Down the Rabbit Hole
- D.C. Weather Radar (Spoiler: It’s Wet)
- Army’s Official Parade Site (Bring Rain Gear)
- That Time Trump Wanted Tanks in D.C. (Yes, Really)
Source: NY Post – US News