The parade was the spectacle event Trump had long wanted. It also helped sparked the largest mass opposition to him since his inauguration 145 days earlier.

The president celebrates the 250th anniversary of the US Army as demonstrators hold "No Kings" events from coast to coast.

The largest military parade in Washington in decades unfolded Saturday alongside hundreds of protests against it, and its chief organizer

Meanwhile, "No Kings" protests were scheduled in all 50 states to counter Trump's celebration, in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Boise.

On his 79th birthday, President Trump spent more than three hours on Saturday taking in the scene at a military parade commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.

A military parade, festival, and fireworks on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., mark the U.S. Army's 250th birthday. The event coincides with U.S. President Trump's 79th birthday and includes a wreath-laying ceremony,

Thousands of Americans flocked to downtown D.C. in "Make America Great Again" hats and patriotic gear displaying Old Glory despite the balmy weather and thunderstorms brewing.

Dissent against the parade is also coming partly from within one of Trump’s most reliable support bases: veterans. Although former U.S. military personnel have historically voted with wide margins in favor of Trump and the Republican Party, there is a growing discontent among some within the community.

“Earlier today, during a parade held in support of our nation’s military and organized by President Donald Trump, the song ‘Barracuda’ by Heart was played without permission or authorization from us,“ Wilson said in a post on Instagram late Saturday night.

Cities large and small were preparing for major demonstrations Saturday across the U.S. against President Donald Trump, as officials urge calm, National Guard troops mobilize and Trump attends a military parade in Washington to mark the Army’s 250th anniversary.