The Army birthday celebration had already been planned for months. But earlier this spring, Trump announced his intention to transform the event, which coincides with his 79th birthday, into a massive military parade complete with 60-ton M1 Abrams battle tanks and Paladin self-propelled howitzers rolling through the city streets.

President Trump’s decision to send troops into an American city comes just days before a rare military display in the nation’s capital.

President Donald Trump threatened to use force against those who protest the military parade honoring the 250th anniversary of the Army on Saturday, June 14.

Passengers flying through Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Saturday will experience delays as the Army celebrates its 250th birthday with a parade and flyover in Washington, DC.

The parade will step off at 6 p.m. Saturday at the corner of Hancock Street and Hannon Parkway in Quincy Center, officials said.

Preparations are underway for a military parade Saturday in Washington, D.C., celebrating the Army's 250th anniversary that is projected to cost $45 million and possibly higher because of possible road damage.

The costly celebration of the Army's 250th anniversary, which happens to fall on the president's birthday, has sparked heavy criticism from Democrats and inspired protests across the country.