Is Donald Trump planning a US military parade? What we know
US President Donald Trump is planning a military parade through Washington, D.C. that will coincide with his birthday this summer, according to a city news report.
It's claimed that the event will mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army on June 14, which also happens to be the date of Trump's 79th birthday.
Arlington County Board Chair Takis Karantonis told the Washington City Paperthat Trump's administration is planning a 4-mile long military parade through the capital, the outlet reported this weekend. Nothing has yet been organized officially, but the board was given a "heads up" on Friday about the event, Karantonis told the member-supported publication.
Newsweek has reached out by email to Karantonis, and has also emailed the White House seeking confirmation, further information, and comment. The emails were sent outside of usual working hours, so an immediate response was not expected.
Why It Matters
It would not be the first time that Trump has tried to launch a large-scale military parade, but his previous attempts have sparked unease or even outright controversy. Some critics compared the president's ambitions to the bloated military spectacles seen in dictatorships, such as the parades in honor of Kim Jong Un in North Korea.
Other criticisms leveled at the president over his plans included the astronomical cost to taxpayers of hosting such an event, and the damage likely to be caused to city roads by heavy military vehicles, such as tanks.
Trump has previously said it would be good to "top" other countries' military processions. His hopes for a massive military parade were thwarted during his first presidency, but it appears he is determined to try again now he has a second term in the White House.
What To Know
During Trump's first presidency, back in 2018, he hoped to have tanks rolling down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington D.C. while vintage aircraft and modern fighter jets flew overhead. He tried to organize the Independence Day event after being impressed with a military-led display to mark Bastille Day in Paris during his visit to France the year before.
But it later emerged the military parade would cost an eye-watering $92 million—some $80 million more than first predicted—and Trump subsequently abandoned the idea. At the time, he blamed city officials for what he described as the "ridiculously high" price tag and said he planned to buy more fighter jets with the money he had saved by canceling his plans.
Trump had been criticized for planning a military parade in the first place, with some critics claiming the event would mirror those held by authoritarian countries such as China and Russia. Retired Air Force Gen. Michael Hayden told the media at the time: "That's just not our style … you know how powerful you are, you don't have to pretend."
Not to be deterred, a year later, Trump ordered tanks to be part of an Independence Day parade in Washington D.C. in 2019. But city officials expressed dismay over fears the armored vehicles would wreck city roads.
In the event, the tanks were downgraded to a "static display" behind fences and the social media hashtag "#TrumpParadeFail" trended on Twitter (now known as X) as social media users mocked the festivities.
Now, according to the Washington City Paper, Trump appears to be using his second term in office to once again push for a military parade.
However, with just over two months to go until the date, there is likely to be a time-crunch for organizers working out the logistics, which would involve road closures, security considerations, and communication with various branches of the Army.
The U.S. Army has already planned a series of events to commemorate its anniversary and history, including "leadership engagements, community outreach events and other events showcasing Army units, history, lineage and esprit de corps," according to the force's website. The theme for the events will be "This We'll Defend," which was a battle cry first used by the Continental Army, the army website added.
What People Are Saying
Arlington County Board Chair Takis Karantonis told the Washington City Paper on Sunday that exact plans have not yet been discussed, saying the board was simply given a "heads up" by the White House. He added: "It's not clear to me what the scope of a parade would be. But I would hope the federal government remains sensitive to the pain and concerns of numerous veteran residents who have lost or might lose their jobs in recent federal decisions, as they reflect on how best to celebrate the Army's anniversary."
Speaking about the Army's upcoming 250th anniversary, before Trump's alleged plans for a military parade were revealed, Gen. Randy George, chief of staff of the Army said: "As we prepare for our future, we also reflect on our past. 'This we'll defend' was first used as a battle cry by the Continental Army. Today it reminds us that our Army's purpose is clear: to fight and win the nation's wars. We remain committed to honing our warfighting skills, enforcing standards and discipline, and living the values that have defined our Army culture for the past 250 years."
What Happens Next
The army will continue to work on planning its own events to mark the organization's 250 anniversary, while Washington D.C. officials will be seeking clarification this week on whether Trump's White House also hopes to plan a military parade to mark the occasion.