US Army's $45 Million 250th Anniversary Parade Held Amidst Controversy

Washington D.C. – The United States Army commemorated its 250th anniversary with a grand military parade and celebration on June 14, 2025, in Washington D.C., an event estimated to cost between $25 million and $45 million. The extensive display of military might, presided over by President Donald Trump, coincided with his 79th birthday and Flag Day, drawing both public interest and significant criticism.

The parade, officially termed the "250th Birthday of the U.S. Army Grand Military Parade and Celebration," featured approximately 6,600 soldiers, 150 military vehicles including M1 Abrams tanks and Bradley Fighting Vehicles, and over 50 aircraft. The procession moved along Constitution Avenue, culminating near the White House, with associated events held on the National Mall. Army officials stated the event aimed to showcase the Army's rich 250-year history and its evolution.

The substantial cost of the parade sparked bipartisan concern, particularly given the Trump administration's broader cost-cutting measures. Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat, criticized the expenditure, stating, "Trump squandering $45 million in taxpayer dollars on a military parade for his birthday is the epitome of government waste." Some Republican senators also questioned the necessity and cost, though others supported it as a recruiting tool.

The timing of the parade on President Trump's birthday led to accusations of politicization. Critics argued the event served more as an homage to the president than a purely military commemoration. Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth directly addressed Army Secretary Daniel P. Driscoll, saying, "Let's be clear: You're not doing it to celebrate the Army's birthday, you’re doing it to stroke Donald Trump's ego." Trump, however, maintained it was a celebration of Flag Day and the military.

Nationwide "No Kings" protests, organized by various pro-democracy groups, were held concurrently in over 1,500 cities, opposing what they viewed as "strongman politics" and government corruption. While no major protest was held directly in Washington D.C., the simultaneous events created a "split screen" effect, highlighting differing public sentiments. Despite official projections of hundreds of thousands of attendees, some reports described the crowds as sparse and the event as "underwhelming" due to weather and the competing protests.

Security for the event was heightened, classifying it as a national special security event. This involved extensive road closures, temporary flight restrictions at Reagan National Airport, and the deployment of various law enforcement agencies. The Army also took measures to mitigate potential road damage from heavy vehicles, including placing steel plates and using new track pads on tanks.