US President Donald Trump will preside over a huge military parade in Washington on his 79th birthday Saturday, as nationwide protests rejecting his brand of politics underscore deep divisions over his second term.

But the threat of thunderstorms in the US capital, and the barrage of missiles raining down in Tel Aviv and Tehran -- a conflict in which the American military is assisting -- could cast a long shadow over the president's celebration.

"This is a big day for America!!!" Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

Nearly 7,000 troops plus dozens of tanks and helicopters will rumble through Washington in an event officially marking the 250th anniversary of the US army -- at a cost of up to $45 million.

At the same time, protests by the so-called "No Kings" movement are expected across the United States against what organizers say is a Trump personality cult.

Organizers said the rallies would be the largest since Trump returned to office in January, adding that they were "rejecting authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics, and the militarization of our democracy."

Thousands more........

© International Business Times