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Trump's Birthday Parade to Celebrate Army's 250th Anniversary Estimated to Cost Up to $45 Million

The military parade on June 14 will feature thousands of soldiers, tanks, and aircraft as it coincides with Trump’s birthday.

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A military parade honoring the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary on June 14, coinciding with President Trump's birthday, is projected to cost up to $45 million. Featuring 7,500 soldiers, tanks, and warplanes, it has drawn political criticism, with objections raised about its costly nature and perceived politicization of the Army. Despite presidential assurances that the event is a military tribute, critics, including Democratic lawmakers, argue it serves Trump's personal interests. Arrangements include housing for soldiers and extensive planning to accommodate military assets.

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  • The military parade is planned for June 14 to celebrate the Army's 250th anniversary, coinciding with President Trump's 79th birthday, and is expected to involve a large number of soldiers and military equipment.
  • Initial cost estimates for the parade range between $25 million to $45 million, with some criticism focusing on the financial implications and potential politicization of the Army.
  • While Trump insists the event celebrates military heritage, critics argue it has been co-opted for personal publicity, with concerns about blending national celebrations with presidential ego.

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The parade is planned to start at 6 p.m. from the Pentagon’s north parking lot, proceed north on Route 110, cross the Memorial Bridge, circle the west side of the Lincoln Memorial, continue east along Constitution Avenue to 15th Street, where it will disperse at 8 p.m. A concert and fireworks follow at the Ellipse south of the White House.

The parade will feature approximately 6,600 soldiers, 150 military vehicles including tanks, and 50 helicopters, along with a jet flyover and a parachute team known as the Golden Knights.

The U.S. Army is expected to spend between $25 million and $45 million for the 250th birthday celebration, covering costs for transporting and housing soldiers, food, military vehicles and aircraft transport, fireworks, flyovers, and musical performances. Additional security costs are anticipated because the event is designated a National Special Security Event.

Critics, including Democratic lawmakers, argue that the parade serves President Trump's personal interests by coinciding with his 79th birthday and that it politicizes the Army. They also object to the high cost and timing, especially amid federal government budget and personnel cuts.

After the parade, a concert featuring five to seven musical acts, likely from the country music genre, will take place on the Ellipse starting at 8 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9:45 p.m. The event will also include a presidential review stand, bleachers, and a daylong festival on the National Mall.

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