


Trump's Military Parade: A Celebration Amid Controversy
President Trump's military parade on June 14, celebrating the U.S. Army's 250th birthday, faces criticism over costs and potential protests.

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Overview
- President Trump's military parade is scheduled for June 14, coinciding with his 79th birthday and the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary.
- The estimated cost of the parade ranges from $25 million to $45 million, raising concerns among critics about its necessity.
- Protests are expected nationwide, with grassroots movements organizing events to oppose the parade and Trump's policies.
- Key Republican leaders are skipping the event, highlighting divisions within the party regarding the parade's significance and cost.
- Despite criticism, a significant turnout of around 200,000 attendees is anticipated for the parade in Washington, D.C.
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Analysis
Criticizes Trump's military parade as an ego boost and waste of public funds, sparking protests.
The Pentagon and U.S. Army have no plans to acknowledge or celebrate President Trump's 79th birthday during the parade, which also coincides with the 250th birthdays of the Navy and Marine Corps.



The military parade has been criticized as a display of authoritarianism and a tribute to Trump's ego rather than a celebration of the Army's birthday or a genuine tribute to service members.



The upcoming birthdays of the United States Army and other armed services are seen as deserving celebrations for their achievements.


He praised the military as heroes defending the republic against an 'invasion' and justified deploying them on demonstrators opposing his immigration enforcement raids.


Trump criticized California's Democratic leaders as incompetent and accused them of aiding criminal invaders, while also referring to protesters in Los Angeles as 'animals' and 'a foreign enemy'.


A majority of survey respondents, particularly Democrats and independents, believe that the parade was not a wise use of public funds.



A 40% plurality of respondents approve of Trump's decision to hold the parade, with about 4 in 10 U.S. adults in favor and 3 in 10 against.



Grassroots groups are planning nationwide protests against Trump on the same day as the No Kings Day of Defiance, which is expected to be the largest single-day mobilization since Trump returned to office.



Army officials expect approximately 200,000 people to attend the evening military parade, with preparations made for hundreds of thousands.



Emphasizes the significant cost and scale of Trump's military parade celebrating the Army's anniversary.
The massive military parade and festivities are estimated to cost between $25 million and $45 million, with the Army expecting up to 200,000 attendees.



A military parade is set to start at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 14th at the National Mall, with guests allowed in as early as 2 p.m. and a fireworks show to follow at 9:45 p.m.



The last military parade in the US was held in 1991 in Washington D.C. to celebrate the victory in the Gulf War.



The event will showcase over 7,000 uniformed soldiers, dozens of tanks and military vehicles, 50 helicopters, and performances from military bands, making it a grand affair.



Protesters across the country are expected to rally against President Trump's administration during the Flag Day military parade in Washington commemorating the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary.



The military parade is uncommon outside of wartime.



The Army had long planned a celebration for its semi-quincentennial on June 14th.



Trump has desired to oversee a grand military parade throughout his presidency from 2017 to 2021.



Washington D.C. will host a national military parade on June 14 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the US Army.



President Donald Trump's long-awaited military parade in Washington, DC, featuring M1 Abrams tanks, will finally take place this Saturday, showcasing America's military power.



Emphasizes President Trump's military parade for the Army's anniversary coincides with his birthday.
Multiple key Republican leaders are skipping President Trump's military parade this weekend.



The parade will begin near the Pentagon and proceed along the north side of the National Mall.



Only seven out of 50 GOP lawmakers confirmed they would be attending the event, according to Politico.



Democrats will not be supporting the president's festivities.



Both Speaker of the House Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune will not be attending the event due to prior commitments.



The last large and impressive military parade took place in June 1991.



The $45 million estimate is causing concern or surprise.



Sen. Ron Johnson will not attend the parade, but he did not cite the cost as the reason.



Sen. Roger Wicker will be attending the Paris Air Show.



President Trump has ordered a grand military parade in Washington, D.C. to celebrate both the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and his own birthday.



Articles (50)
Center (20)
"…Should Trump allow military personnel and armory to descend on the nation's capital for a parade that serves to honor his birthday and, by extension, the Army's 250th anniversary?"

"…It's outrageous that this is something that would happen in North Korea, not the United States of America."


"…The parade features dozens of armored combat vehicles, helicopters, vintage warplanes, thousands of soldiers in uniforms from the Revolutionary War to the present, horses, two mules and a dog."

"…the parade is also going to be expensive, costing taxpayers up to $45 million, according to an Army spokesperson."


"…The event will also coincide with the 79th birthday of US President Donald Trump, who says the parade will be "like no other"."


"…The planned festivities include more than a parade, as the Army event website boasts vendors, kid zones and meet-and-greets with "Army soldiers, NFL players, influencers and celebrities.""

"…The event on Saturday marks the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary."


"…The Trumpian June 14, 2025 parade and celebration will be the successor to that angry insurrection of January 6, 2021—a celebration of “patriotism” that is deeply anti-democratic, and of a man who is the most authoritarian president in American history."


"…This poorly camouflaged study, in contrast, shows us that any self-styled strongman who feels compelled to fill the streets with soldiers and tanks is really just revealing how very weak he really is."


"…The No Kings Day of Defiance has been organized to reject authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics and the militarization of the country's democracy, according to a press release from No Kings."


"…The military parade commemorating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and coinciding with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday will be a new spectacle for many Americans."


"…The No Kings Day of Defiance has been organized to reject authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics and the militarization of the country’s democracy, according to a press release from No Kings."

"…Trump’s approach stands out compared to his predecessors."

"…The president absolutely supports peaceful protests."


"…The "Grand Military Parade and Celebration," which will feature Army equipment, flyovers and thousands of soldiers in uniforms from the past and the present, caps off a week of programming designed to celebrate the military's enduring legacy."


"…The parade, which will be held on June 14, also coincides with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday."


"…The Army is commemorating its 250th anniversary with a festival and parade in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, June 14, which is also President Trump's 79th birthday."


"…The parade falls on Trump’s birthday and is as much a celebration of his birthday and him — at least it’s designed to be — as it is our Army."


"…The military parade has been designated a National Special Security Event — similar to a presidential inauguration or state funeral."


"…Like many things involving Trump, reactions clash between those who predict a stirring moment of patriotism and those who see it as an alarming echo of authoritarianism."

FAQ
The estimated cost of the parade ranges from $25 million to $45 million, which is several million dollars more than it would have been without the parade.
The timing is controversial because it coincides with President Trump's 79th birthday. June 14 marks the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, as it was on this day in 1775 that the Second Continental Congress voted to establish the Continental Army.
Protests are expected nationwide in opposition to the parade and Trump's policies. Despite criticism, a significant turnout of around 200,000 attendees is anticipated for the parade in Washington, D.C.
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