$45 Million U.S. Army 250th Anniversary Parade Draws Widespread Criticism and Protests

Washington, D.C. – The United States Army commemorated its 250th anniversary on June 14, 2025, with a grand military parade and celebration in Washington, D.C., an event that notably coincided with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday. The spectacle, which featured thousands of troops and military hardware, drew significant public and political scrutiny over its substantial cost and perceived politicization. It marked the first military parade of such scale in the U.S. capital since 1991.

The event's estimated cost, ranging between $25 million and $45 million, became a central point of contention. Critics, including bipartisan lawmakers, questioned the expenditure, especially given broader government cost-cutting measures. Concerns were also raised about potential damage to city streets from heavy military vehicles, with initial estimates for repairs reaching up to $16 million. President Trump, however, dismissed the financial concerns, stating the cost was "peanuts compared to the value of doing it."

The parade's timing on President Trump's birthday fueled accusations that it was primarily a celebration of his ego rather than a genuine tribute to the Army. Critics likened the display to those seen in authoritarian regimes, prompting debates about the politicization of the U.S. military. Democratic Senator Jack Reed stated the event was "all about his ego and making everything about him," a sentiment echoed by other lawmakers and some veterans' groups.

The elaborate display included approximately 6,600 soldiers from various units, over 150 military vehicles, and 62 aircraft participating in flyovers. Historical re-enactments showcased uniforms and equipment from different eras of Army history. The parade route spanned from the Pentagon to the National Mall, culminating in a ceremony presided over by President Trump.

Despite the grand scale, the parade faced muted public enthusiasm and sparse crowds, falling short of organizers' initial projections of hundreds of thousands of attendees. Nationwide "No Kings" protests, organized by various groups, took place simultaneously across the country, rejecting what they viewed as a display of authoritarianism. Veterans were divided, with some appreciating the military showcase and others criticizing its perceived politicization and the diversion of funds.

President Trump had long expressed a desire for a military parade, reportedly inspired by France's Bastille Day celebration in 2017. Previous attempts to organize such an event during his first term were met with resistance from the Pentagon due to high projected costs and concerns about politicization. The 2025 parade ultimately materialized as part of the Army's milestone anniversary, fulfilling the President's long-held ambition for a grand military display.