Washington, D.C. – The United States Army marked its 250th anniversary on June 14, 2025, with a grand military parade in Washington, D.C., an event estimated to cost between $25 million and $45 million. The extensive display, which coincided with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday and Flag Day, featured thousands of troops, military vehicles, and aircraft on the National Mall.
The parade showcased over 6,000 soldiers, 150 military vehicles including M1 Abrams tanks and Strykers, and 62 aircraft such as Apache and Black Hawk helicopters. Preparations for the event included measures to protect city streets, with up to $16 million allocated for potential repairs due to the heavy machinery. President Trump had long expressed a desire for such a parade, a plan that was previously abandoned during his first term due to cost concerns.
The substantial expenditure drew significant criticism, with a majority of Americans, according to an AP-NORC poll, believing it was not a good use of government funds. Critics raised concerns about politicizing the military and the financial implications, especially in light of the administration's stated goals of cutting federal spending. Despite the backlash, President Trump defended the cost, stating it was "peanuts compared to the value of doing it."
The event also saw President Trump administer the constitutional oath to 250 enlistees. While officially a celebration of the Army's milestone, some observers and reports noted the dual significance of the parade occurring on the President's birthday. The spectacle was a culmination of extensive planning, featuring historical military equipment alongside modern assets.