Daijiworld Media Network- Washington

Washington, Jun 11: In a controversial statement just days ahead of a major military parade in the U.S. capital, President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to potential protesters, saying they would be met with “very heavy force.”

The military parade, scheduled for June 14 in Washington, D.C., coincides with the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and also marks Trump’s birthday. Trump is expected to deliver a speech at the high-profile event.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Tuesday, Trump appeared dismissive of any dissent, remarking, “I haven’t even heard about a protest, but you know, this is people that hate our country.”

He went on to say, “For those people who want to protest, they’re going to be met with very big force.”

Trump has long championed the idea of a large-scale military parade—a concept that dates back to his first term in office. However, the idea has drawn widespread criticism, especially from Democrats and civic groups, who cite the high cost, estimated at nearly $45 million, and the risk of damaging city infrastructure due to the movement of heavy military equipment.

Civil rights advocates have raised alarm over Trump’s comments, warning that threatening demonstrators with force is a dangerous escalation and a potential infringement on First Amendment rights.

Meanwhile, local authorities and security agencies in D.C. are preparing for both the parade and any accompanying demonstrations, as tensions mount around the politicized nature of the event.

With political polarization running high ahead of the U.S. elections, Trump’s latest remarks are expected to trigger further debate about civil liberties, public dissent, and the role of military imagery in American democracy.