Trump's $25 Million to $45 Million Military Parade Marks Army's 250th Anniversary

Washington D.C. witnessed a grand military parade on June 14, 2025, commemorating the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary, an event that also coincided with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday. The spectacle, which featured thousands of troops, heavy military vehicles, and aircraft flyovers, drew significant attention and an estimated cost ranging from $25 million to $45 million.

The extensive celebration, officially honoring the Army's establishment on June 14, 1775, included a day-long festival on the National Mall, a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, and a fitness competition. The parade itself traversed Constitution Avenue, concluding near the White House, where President Trump presided over an enlistment and re-enlistment ceremony. A fireworks display capped the evening.

Approximately 6,600 soldiers participated in the parade, showcasing various eras of the Army's history through uniforms and equipment. The display included an impressive array of military hardware: 150 vehicles, such as M1A1 Abrams tanks, Bradley Fighting Vehicles, and Strykers, alongside over 50 aircraft like Apache, Black Hawk, and Chinook helicopters. Historic aircraft, including World War II-era B-25 bombers and P-51 Mustangs, also took to the skies.

The substantial cost, estimated between $25 million and $45 million, covered logistics, troop housing, and potential road repairs from the heavy vehicles. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll justified the investment, stating it would lead to a "recruiting boom" by showcasing the Army's story. This figure, however, did not include additional security expenses, which were significant given the event's designation as a "National Security Special Event," akin to a Super Bowl or presidential inauguration.

The parade, the largest of its kind in Washington D.C. since 1991, sparked debate regarding its purpose and expenditure. Critics, including some Democrats and a majority of the public according to polls, questioned the allocation of funds, suggesting it was more a celebration of the President than the military. Despite the controversy, officials prepared for an estimated 200,000 attendees, with extensive security measures in place.