US Army's 250th Anniversary Parade Costs Up to $45 Million Amidst Political Scrutiny

Washington D.C. – The United States Army commemorated its 250th anniversary with a grand military parade and festival in Washington D.C. on Saturday, June 14, 2025. The event, which coincided with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday, featured approximately 6,600 soldiers, 150 military vehicles including M1A1 Abrams tanks, and 50 aircraft, showcasing the Army's history and capabilities. The celebration, officially known as the "250th Birthday of the U.S. Army Grand Military Parade and Celebration," drew an estimated cost of between $25 million and $45 million.

The extensive festivities began with a festival on the National Mall, leading up to the main parade along Constitution Avenue. The parade, which started at 6:00 p.m. EDT, included soldiers in uniforms from various eras of Army history, from the Revolutionary War to the modern day, along with a diverse array of military hardware. A flyover of modern and historic aircraft concluded the aerial display, followed by an evening fireworks show.

The event faced significant criticism regarding its substantial cost and perceived politicization, particularly given its timing on President Trump's birthday. Army officials stated the parade was intended solely to celebrate the Army's quarter-millennium of service, emphasizing that the Army was not officially recognizing the President's birthday. However, critics, including Democratic lawmakers, argued the parade was being used for the President's political purposes, drawing comparisons to military displays in authoritarian states.

Concerns were also raised about potential damage to Washington's streets from heavy military vehicles, with initial estimates for repairs reaching up to $16 million. The Army implemented measures such as steel plates and specialized track pads to mitigate this, reducing the expected repair cost to $3.5 million. Despite the controversies, President Trump defended the expenditure, stating the cost was "peanuts compared to the value of doing it."

Public opinion polls conducted prior to the event revealed mixed sentiments. An AP-NORC poll found that 60% of U.S. adults believed the parade was not a good use of government money, while an NBC poll indicated 64% opposed the use of public funds for the event. The parade also unfolded amidst nationwide "No Kings" protests against the President's policies, leading to a "split screen" day of contrasting public displays in the nation's capital.