Tens of thousands of protesters gathered across the country against Donald Trump ahead of a huge military parade marking the US president's 79th birthday, with the killing of a Democratic congressman highlighting deep divisions in American politics, AFP reported.

Demonstrators under the slogan “No Kings” took to the streets in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston, Atlanta, and hundreds of other cities across the US to condemn what they call Trump's dictatorial abuse of power.

Trump's massive military parade will see tanks roll through Washington for the first time in decades to mark the 250th anniversary of the US Army – and of the president himself.

“I think it's disgusting,” said 42-year-old protester Sarah Hargrave during a protest in the suburb of Bethesda, describing Trump's parade as “a display of authoritarianism.”

Republican Trump, who began his second term by elevating his presidential powers to unprecedented levels, boasted on his social media platform Truth Social that it was “a great day for America!!!”.

He added that Russian leader Vladimir Putin, whom he has repeatedly expressed admiration for, had called him “very nice” to wish him a happy birthday.

The two leaders also agreed that it was necessary to end the conflict between Iran and Israel – a war in which US forces are helping Israel shoot down Tehran's missiles.

Both the conflict and the targeted shootings of two lawmakers in Minnesota cast a shadow over the grand spectacle in the US capital.

Trump quickly condemned the attacks near Minneapolis, which killed former state House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, while another lawmaker and his wife were hospitalized with gunshot wounds.

Political violence

The killings are the latest in a series of incidents of political violence, including an assassination attempt on Trump in July last year.

Authorities are searching for 57-year-old Vance Boelter in connection with the incident in Minnesota. Leaflets with the words “No Kings” and a manifesto listing the names of numerous government officials were found in the car of the suspect, who identified himself as a police officer, authorities said.

Organizers canceled the “No Kings” protests in the state but said they expected millions of people to join in 1,500 cities across the rest of the country.

Some protesters headed to Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, and a small group even gathered in Paris.

Thousands took to the streets in Los Angeles to protest Trump's deployment of troops in America's second-largest city after clashes sparked by immigration raids.

Trump promised to use “very large force” if protesters tried to disrupt the military parade in Washington.

But disruptions could also come from storms expected in Washington.

Trump showed his bravado by writing on Truth Social: “Our great military parade will take place, rain or shine. Remember, a parade on a rainy day is good luck. See you in Washington.”

$45 million

The military parade is the largest in Washington since the end of the Gulf War in 1991 and has led to accusations from Trump's opponents that he is acting like a king.

The parade will feature 7,000 troops, over 50 helicopters, and dozens of armored vehicles, including giant Abrams tanks, with the cost of the parade estimated at up to $45 million.

Soldiers will wear uniforms dating back to the US's independence from Britain as they march past landmarks including the Washington Monument, ending up in front of the White House.

The parade will conclude with the Army's Golden Knights parachute team landing and presenting Trump with the American flag on Flag Day, which marks the adoption of the stars and stripes.

Trump has been obsessed with the idea of a parade since his first term as president, when he was invited by President Emmanuel Macron to attend the annual Bastille Day parade in Paris.

Critics accuse Trump of behaving like an autocrat from Moscow or Pyongyang.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, who criticized Trump for sending National Guard troops to Los Angeles without his consent, called it a “vulgar display of weakness.” |BGNES