President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to potential protesters ahead of his planned military parade in Washington this weekend. The event, scheduled to commemorate the U.S. Army's 250th birthday, has drawn attention not only for its celebration of military might but also for the president's combative stance toward possible demonstrations.

According to Fox News, Trump told reporters Tuesday that any protesters who appear at the parade "will be met with very big force." The president's comments come amid ongoing civil unrest in Los Angeles following recent immigration enforcement actions.

While speaking to the press, Trump emphasized that he hadn't heard of any planned protests for the event. Nevertheless, he made it clear that his administration would respond forcefully to any demonstrations, stating that "people that hate our country... they will be met with very heavy force."

Military celebration amid national tension

The military parade, scheduled for Saturday in Washington, will feature an array of military displays, including flyovers, historical reenactments, and military vehicles. America250, the nonpartisan initiative helping organize the event, has described it as a celebration featuring "moving tributes" honoring service members.

Trump expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming celebration, telling reporters: "It's going to be an amazing day. We have planes. We have all sorts of things. And I think it's going to be great. We're going to celebrate our country for a change."

According to the America250 website, the event aims not only to showcase the Army's modern capabilities but also to "inspire a new generation to embrace the spirit of service, resilience, and leadership that defines the United States." The parade marks a significant milestone for the U.S. Army, which was established in 1775.

Protests and federal response

Trump's warning about potential protesters at the military parade comes at a time when his administration is already dealing with significant civil unrest in Los Angeles. The city has experienced massive protests and riots following recent arrests by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

In response to the situation in Los Angeles, Trump has deployed thousands of National Guard troops and 700 Marines to the area. The president has claimed that this military presence will prevent further destruction in the city, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom.

The deployment represents an unusual federal intervention, as Trump invoked a law to place the National Guard troops under federal command rather than state control. This has created tension between federal and state authorities during an already volatile situation.

State versus federal authority

Governor Newsom has publicly challenged Trump's deployment of troops to Los Angeles, arguing that it undermines California's sovereignty. The conflict highlights the ongoing tension between state and federal authority that has characterized many aspects of Trump's presidency.

"I have formally requested the Trump Administration rescind their unlawful deployment of troops in Los Angeles county and return them to my command," Newsom wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. "We didn't have a problem until Trump got involved. This is a serious breach of state sovereignty — inflaming tensions while pulling resources from where they're actually needed."

While governors typically maintain command over their state's National Guard forces, Trump's invocation of federal authority has created a standoff between the administration and California's leadership. The dispute adds another layer of complexity to the administration's approach to managing civil unrest.

Parade preparation continues

As Saturday's military parade approaches, the Trump administration continues preparations despite the backdrop of controversy. The event is being framed as a patriotic celebration of American military history and capabilities.

The parade's timing coincides with heightened tensions across the country, particularly in urban centers where immigration enforcement actions have sparked demonstrations. Trump's warning about a forceful response to any protesters who might appear at the parade reflects his administration's broader approach to demonstrations.

The president's comments about the military parade and potential protesters highlight his continued focus on projecting strength and authority. With his warning that "people that hate our country... they will be met with very heavy force," Trump has set a confrontational tone ahead of what his administration hopes will be a showcase of American military pride.