Trump's Tank Parade Will Mother Nature Rain on His Ego?

Will Rain Dampen Trump's $45 Million Birthday Tank Parade?

President Donald Trump's highly anticipated $45 million military and birthday parade might face a significant hurdle: the weather. Current forecasts suggest a high probability of rain, potentially disrupting the planned festivities.

As of Wednesday, the National Weather Service is predicting a **60 percent chance of rain on Saturday after 2 p.m.**, with the possibility of thunderstorms in the evening. This could throw a wrench into Trump's elaborate parade itinerary, designed to celebrate both his 79th birthday and the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary.

The NWS website states for Saturday night: “Showers likely before 8pm, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 8pm and 2am, then a chance of showers after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 60%.”

Here's how the weather could impact the parade:

• Timing Issues: The parade is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. and conclude around 7:30 p.m., just half an hour before potential thunderstorms are predicted.
• Event Cancellations: Depending on the severity of the weather, key events like the Army's Golden Knights parachute jump and the concluding fireworks display might be canceled.
• Parachute Jump Concerns: The Golden Knights Parachute Team is slated to parachute into the Ellipse and present Trump with a U.S. flag. Notably, they were already forced to cancel a jump at a community celebration in Alabama due to rain just days ago.

The Secret Service is preparing for large crowds, but the weather could deter attendance.

Special Agent Matt McCool, in charge of the Secret Service’s Washington field office, advised at a news conference, that “due to the large crowds, noise and the weather forecast, that for their safety,” people leave their pets and emotional support animals at home, though service animals are still permitted. He also indicated that the Secret Service anticipates "an enormous turnout," with preparations including the erection of over 18 miles of fencing in Washington D.C.

However, unfavorable weather conditions could impact public transportation and result in lower-than-expected attendance. That being said:

The parade is set to include:

• Around 9,000 troops marching along Constitution Avenue.
• More than 100 military vehicles.
• 50 aircraft, including Black Hawk helicopters and WWII-era B-52 bombers.

“It’s gonna be an amazing day. We’ll have tanks, we’ll have planes, we’ll have all sorts of things. I think it’s gonna be great,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office Tuesday.

The potential cost of the parade extends beyond the initial $45 million estimate.

The estimated cost of the president’s birthday parade excludes the projected cost of repairing the damage done by military tanks after the event, which U.S. military officials have said might come out to as much as $16 million.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Browser said back in April that “military tanks on our streets would not be good,” adding that if the president chose to use military tanks, they “should be accompanied by many millions of dollars to repair the roads.”

Around 130 military tanks are expected to participate in Saturday’s procession.

Background: A Long-Held Desire for a Grand Parade

Trump's desire for a large-scale military parade dates back to 2017, after witnessing France's Bastille Day parade. He reportedly told French President Emmanuel Macron that the U.S. would "have to try to top" France's celebrations. Previous plans for a parade were scrapped due to the staggering estimated cost of $92 million, making this weekend's event something of a realization of a long-held ambition.

Ultimately, whether the rain holds off or not, the parade is sure to be a spectacle. However, the specter of inclement weather serves as a reminder that even the most meticulously planned events can be subject to the whims of nature. We can only wait and see if the skies will cooperate with the President's vision.

Tags: Trump parade, rain forecast, military parade, weather, US Army, 250th anniversary, birthday parade, thunderstorms, Saturday forecast, parade setbacks

Source: https://www.thedailybeast.com/weather-forecasts-say-its-going-to-rain-on-trumps-parade/