Washington
'We're the hottest country in the world': Trump's parade rolls through DC
US President Donald Trump’s long dreamed-of military parade has rolled through the streets of downtown Washington.
It comes as demonstrators turn out in force across the country for the biggest protests since Mr Trump’s return to power.
The celebration of the US Army’s 250th anniversary coincided with Mr Trump’s 79th birthday.
Thousands of spectators lined Constitution Avenue near the National Mall to watch the parade.
Some held signs in protest, while others were blocked by police from the parade crowds.
Mr Trump looked on from an elevated viewing stand behind bulletproof glass.
He swore-in 250 army recruits before giving a short speech, where he praised US soldiers who have served.
“We’re the hottest country in the world right now,” he said.
He also issued a warning to “America’s enemies”, before exiting the podium to chants of “USA, USA” from the gathered crowds.
“If you threaten the American people, our soldiers are coming for you,” Mr Trump said.
“Your defeat will be certain. Your demise will be final, and your downfall will be total and complete.”
Military aircraft fly past the Washington Monument. (Reuters: Brian Snyder)
A child waves a US flag. (Reuters: Evelyn Hockstein)
Soldiers in historical military uniforms participate in the parade. (Reuters: Carlos Barria)
Soldiers drive a tank past the Lincoln Memorial. (Reuters: Brian Snyder)
Participants in vintage uniforms participated in the parade. (Reuters: Kevin Mohatt)
‘I don’t see a controversy’
The president was early in his first term of office when he raised his desire to hold a military-style parade.
It’s rare to see displays of military might like these in the US.
The last similar event was in 1991, when tanks and troops paraded through Washington to celebrate the end of the Gulf War
This parade traced the army’s history from its founding during the Revolutionary War through to modern day.
Nearly 7,000 troops and 150 vehicles, including tanks and armoured trucks, took part.
The celebrations will cost the US Army up to $US45 million ($69 million), US officials told Reuters.
This includes the parade itself as well as the cost of moving equipment and housing and feeding the troops.
Critics have called the parade a wasteful, authoritarian display of power, particularly in light of Mr Trump’s ambition to slash federal government spending.
However, Trump supporter Bryan Henrie told Reuters he did not see any problem with the parade.
“I don’t see a controversy. I will celebrate safety and stability any day over anarchy,” the 61-year-old said.
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump watch the fireworks. (Reuters: Doug Mills)
Fireworks explode over the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. (Reuters: Elizabeth Frantz)
Traffic moves in front of the White House as fireworks illuminate the sky. (Reuters: Jonathan Ernst)
Thousands march in ‘No Kings’ protests
Earlier in the day, thousands marched in largely peaceful protests across Washington and other cities to protest Mr Trump’s policies.
Anti-Trump groups planned nearly 2,000 demonstrations across the country to coincide with the parade.
Many took place under the theme “No Kings”, arguing that no individual was above the law.
However, the protests planned for Minnesota were cancelled after a gunman assassinated a Democratic lawmaker and wounded another.
A man holds a sign while people gather for the military parade. (Reuters: Carlos Barria)
A demonstrator shouts during the No Kings protest at Austin, Texas. (Reuters: Joel Angel Juarez)
A Waymo vehicle burns in the middle of an intersection in LA. (AFP: David Pashaee)
Smoke fills the air as law enforcement officers in riot gear advance during protests in LA. (AFP: David Pashaee
Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz claimed it was a “politically motivated assassination”.
In Los Angeles, protesters faced a large contingent of Marines guarding the Edward Roybal Federal Building downtown — the site of clashes between protesters and officers earlier this week.
The crowd yelled in unison, “Shame! Shame!” and “Marines, get out of LA!”
In Manhattan, protesters carried homemade signs playing off the “No Kings” theme, including one that read “No crown for a clown”.
Actors Susan Sarandon and Mark Ruffalo were among the tens of thousands of people who swarmed the New York City streets.
Mr Ruffalo wore a hat that read “immigrant”.
Crews are on the scene of a serious crash on I-95 South in Stafford, Virginia.
Virginia State Police confirmed the crash was fatal but has not yet confirmed how many fatalities there were.
All southbound lanes are closed at mile marker 146.
Traffic is being diverted to Route 1 at exit 148.
This is a developing story. Stay with News4 and nbcwashington.com for updates.
Washington
Sounders FC, Starbucks and Washington Youth Soccer launch Washington Youth Soccer Match Pass to celebrate the next generation of soccer across the Evergreen State | Seattle Sounders
RENTON, WASH. – Sounders FC, in partnership with Starbucks and Washington Youth Soccer, today announced the launch of the Washington Youth Soccer Match Pass, a first-of-its-kind statewide initiative designed to inspire the next generation of young athletes across the Evergreen State. As the sport reaches a defining moment across North America, the Washington Youth Soccer Match Pass invites every registered Washington Youth Soccer athlete aged 18 and under to receive a complimentary ticket to select home matches this season, connecting young players and their families across Washington to the heart of Sounders FC matchdays and Pacific Northwest soccer culture.
More than a ticket initiative, the Washington Youth Soccer Match Pass is rooted in a shared belief that soccer belongs to everyone who plays it. With over 90,000 registered Washington Youth Soccer athletes eligible for the program – which includes access to additional discounted tickets for friends and family members – the Washington Youth Soccer Match Pass celebrates those that continue to shape the sport’s strong foundation across the state. Coming at a significant moment for soccer in the region, with Seattle hosting six matches during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ this summer, Sounders FC and its partners are joining together to invest in the players, families, clubs and communities that fuel the game year-round.
“The Washington Youth Soccer Match Pass is about recognizing that every young player across Washington is already part of the story of this club,” said Sounders FC President of Business Operations Hugh Weber. “The Sounders are not just Seattle’s club – it’s Washington’s soccer club. Many of the players who wear our crest today, including Jordan Morris, Paul Rothrock and Jackson Ragen, grew up playing in Washington Youth Soccer. Their journeys are proof that the connection between local soccer communities and Sounders FC is real, lasting and deeply rooted.”
The program is available for the Rave Green’s final 12 MLS regular-season and Leagues Cup home matches of the 2026 campaign, beginning with Seattle’s first contest after the 2026 FIFA World Cup break against archrival Portland Timbers on Thursday, July 16 (7:30 p.m. PT / Apple TV, FS1, iHeartMedia Seattle, El Rey 1360 AM). Eligible Washington Youth Soccer athletes can access the offer through a **dedicated online portal** using their WYS Player ID.
With Seattle as its hometown, Starbucks is deeply rooted in communities across Washington and beyond. Starbucks serves as the initiative’s founding partner to make professional soccer more accessible for families throughout the season. A longtime Sounders FC partner, Starbucks joins the club in its commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for youth athletes and their families across Washington, reinforcing shared values of community, connection and access to the game.
“We are proud to partner with Sounders FC and Washington Youth Soccer to expand our support for youth soccer across our hometown of Seattle and communities across Washington,” said Starbucks Senior Vice President of Global Marketing Erin Silvoy. “At Starbucks, we believe sports are a powerful force for connection, that brings people together through shared rituals and moments of joy. By helping more youth experience soccer first-hand, we hope to inspire the next generation while supporting the athletes, coaches and families who make our communities stronger.”
Founded in 1961, Washington Youth Soccer is one of the region’s leading youth sports organizations, helping shape generations of players and families through recreational and competitive opportunities across the state for more than 60 years. Affiliated with U.S. Youth Soccer, U.S. Soccer and FIFA, Washington Youth Soccer works alongside nearly 200 member clubs and local associations to help grow and strengthen the game at every level, creating accessible pathways and enriching experiences for youth athletes and their families throughout Washington.
”We see this partnership as a catalyst to inspire the next generation of youth soccer players,” said Washington Youth Soccer Executive Director Roger Levesque. “There is something unique about attending a Sounders match at Lumen Field – the sights, sounds and world-class soccer all contribute to a goose bump-inducing experience. But the true inspiration comes from living the highs and lows of a match together, alongside family, friends and thousands of fans, who for 90 minutes, are all on the same team. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Sounders FC and Starbucks to bring this experience and the joy of soccer to the Washington Youth Soccer community.”
MLS is currently amid an extended break from play for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, with Seattle returning to action on Thursday, July 16 against the Portland Timbers on the Emerald Queen Casino Pitch at Lumen Field (7:30 p.m. PT / Apple TV, iHeartMedia Seattle, El Rey 1360 AM).
ABOUT SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC
Born in 1974 and a member of Major League Soccer since 2009, Seattle Sounders FC is one of North America’s leading professional soccer organizations. The club has captured nine major trophies since its inaugural MLS season, and following its Leagues Cup victory in 2025, Seattle became the first team in U.S. soccer history to win every major competition (Concacaf Champions Cup, MLS Cup, Supporters’ Shield, U.S. Open Cup, Leagues Cup). Since the club’s MLS debut, Sounders fans have set the standard for soccer support in North America, leading the league in attendance for eight-consecutive seasons (2009-2016), routinely ranking in the global top 30 among all professional clubs and never finishing outside of MLS’ top three.
Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to responsibly sourcing and roasting hi-quality arabica coffee. Today, with a global footprint of more than 41,000 company-operated and licensed coffeehouses and a growing presence in consumer-packaged goods, we are the world’s premier purveyor of specialty coffee. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at about.starbucks.com or www.starbucks.com.
ABOUT WASHINGTON YOUTH SOCCER
Washington Youth Soccer (WYS) is the largest youth sports organization in Washington State, serving more than 90,000 players through a network of over 200 member associations and clubs statewide. WYS is committed to fostering the physical, mental, and emotional growth of youth through the game of soccer by creating opportunities for players of all backgrounds and ability levels to learn, compete, and thrive. Through leagues, tournaments, player development programs, coaching education, community partnerships, and initiatives supported by the Washington Youth Soccer Foundation, WYS works to grow the game and create meaningful experiences for young athletes across Washington.
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