Washington, D.C. is bracing for a weekend full of military fanfare, political spectacle, and maybe even thunderstorms.
As part of a massive event honoring the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army — and conveniently landing on Donald Trump’s 79th birthday — the former president is expected to headline a parade packed with symbolism, celebration, and celebrity cameos.
Among the high-profile names joining him? Two familiar faces from the octagon.
Tim Kennedy and Luke Rockhold Join the Line-Up
Former UFC fighters Tim Kennedy and Luke Rockhold have been personally invited by the White House to appear alongside Trump during the parade.
Both men, known not just for their martial arts backgrounds but also for their vocal support of the former president, will be part of a larger group of over 30 celebrities slated to attend the event.
Kennedy, who is not only a retired MMA fighter but also an Army veteran, has long worn his patriotism on his sleeve.
In fact, earlier this week, he posted a video on Instagram dressed in full uniform, hyping up the weekend celebration.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to celebrate our soldiers,” he said.
“Come out and support the greatest nation that ever existed.”
A Military Tribute with Political Undertones
While the parade is officially a tribute to the U.S. Army, it also doubles as a political moment for Trump, whose admiration for military parades goes back to his 2017 visit to France’s Bastille Day celebration.
He’s wanted to replicate that energy ever since — and now, with a big milestone and a birthday to mark, he’s going all-in.
Kennedy, who won 18 of his 24 pro fights, has appeared with Trump before — including a visit to the Oval Office in April for a veterans event.
Rockhold, on the other hand, has taken a more personal angle in his recent interactions with Trump.
The former middleweight champion, who notched 16 wins in his career, reportedly reached out to the former president regarding fellow fighter Cain Velasquez, who was sentenced to five years for attempted murder after an incident involving a family member.
Storm Clouds on the Horizon — Literally
There’s one thing that might crash the party: the weather.
According to The Weather Channel, thunderstorms are expected to roll into Washington on Saturday afternoon.
And if lightning shows up, the parade could be delayed or even canceled.
A Pentagon source confirmed to DailyMail.com that safety concerns will take priority.
Still, the White House remains optimistic that some form of celebration will go ahead, regardless of the weather.
Deputy press secretary Anna Kelly emphasized: “No matter what, a historic celebration of our military servicemembers will take place!”
Parade Plans: Short but Spectacular
To help beat the heat (and maybe the storm), organizers pushed the parade start time to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday evening.
It’ll kick off down Constitution Avenue and run for about an hour, immediately followed by a concert and fireworks over the National Mall.
While Trump never managed to pull off a full-scale military parade during his first term — mostly due to concerns about cost — this weekend’s event is his chance to finally bring that long-standing vision to life.
