Trump's $25 Million Military Parade for Army's 250th Anniversary Draws Widespread Protests

Washington D.C. witnessed a grand military parade on June 14, 2025, marking the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary and coinciding with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday. The event, which reportedly cost between $25 million and $45 million, featured thousands of troops, military vehicles, and aircraft, drawing both fervent supporters and vocal critics. The parade, the first of its kind in Washington D.C. since 1991, was a long-desired spectacle for the President, who had previously expressed admiration for similar displays in other countries.

President Trump presided over the elaborate demonstration, which included M1A2 SEP V3 tanks and other armored vehicles rolling down Constitution Avenue, alongside flyovers by military aircraft. Speaking at the event, Trump highlighted the strength of the U.S. military, stating, "If you threaten the American people, our soldiers are coming for you." He also praised the Army's history, declaring that U.S. troops "fight, fight, fight and they win, win, win."

The parade sparked significant controversy and nationwide protests, with critics labeling it as a self-indulgent misuse of public funds and an authoritarian-style display of military might. Organizations like RefuseFascism.org led "No Kings" demonstrations in Washington D.C. and other major cities, condemning what they viewed as Trump's authoritarian tactics and disregard for the Constitution. Protesters carried signs and chanted slogans against the administration, expressing concerns about the politicization of the military.

Despite the criticisms, many attendees, particularly Trump supporters and military families, expressed enthusiasm for the event, viewing it as a celebration of American patriotism and military strength. Some supporters traveled from out of state to witness the parade, which also included a festival on the National Mall, a parachute jump by the Army's Golden Knights, a concert, and fireworks. The event unfolded amidst a tumultuous week for the presidency, including domestic troop deployments and international tensions.

The parade's substantial cost, estimated to be covered by the military, drew further scrutiny, with some questioning the allocation of funds that critics argued could be better spent on veterans' benefits or other pressing national needs. The event's timing, coinciding with the President's birthday, also fueled accusations of personal aggrandizement. The initial tweet from Mike Dudas, sharing a link to the event, served as an early indicator of public interest in the controversial celebration.