Trump's $45 Million Military Parade Marks Army's 250th and His 79th Birthday Amidst Controversy

Washington, D.C. – A grand military parade, estimated to cost between $25 million and $45 million, rolled through Washington, D.C. on June 14, 2025, commemorating the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary. The event, which featured an array of military hardware and thousands of soldiers, coincided with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday, sparking widespread debate and protests across the nation.

The parade, officially termed the "250th Birthday of the U.S. Army Grand Military Parade and Celebration," was a long-desired spectacle for President Trump, who had previously faced resistance from the Pentagon for similar proposals during his first term. This time, the event proceeded with an estimated 6,600 soldiers, 150 vehicles, and 62 aircraft, showcasing military might from various eras of U.S. history.

Critics, including Democratic lawmakers and veterans' groups, questioned the exorbitant cost and the perceived politicization of the military, particularly given its timing on the President's birthday. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) stated, "Trump squandering $45 million in taxpayer dollars on a military parade for his birthday is the epitome of government waste." Many saw the event as a tribute to the "egoist-in-chief" rather than a solemn celebration of the Army.

The parade also took place amidst nationwide "No Kings" protests, organized by various groups opposing Trump's policies and actions. While the event drew some spectators, many seats remained empty, and the crowds were described as sparse, particularly compared to the "hundreds of thousands" organizers had anticipated. President Trump, however, declared the parade a "tremendous success."

The event drew comparisons to military displays in authoritarian regimes, a concern previously voiced by Pentagon officials during Trump's first term. Despite the controversies, the White House affirmed the parade as a celebration of the Army's legacy and a forward-looking statement on military achievement.