Trump promotes military parade as a celebration on his birthday

In 2025, a military parade is planned to take place in Washington, D.C. on June 14th to commemorate the Army’s 250th anniversary and coincide with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday. This event, estimated to cost around $45 million, has drawn considerable attention due to concerns regarding the potential damage to local streets, which officials estimate could amount to $16 million. The Army has committed to covering repair costs, which will include measures to protect the roads, such as metal plates laid down where tanks will turn. Organizers claim the parade will feature approximately 130 vehicles, including tanks and armored fighting vehicles, as well as a significant number of soldiers and various military bands. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has expressed concerns about the impact of the heavy military equipment on the city’s infrastructure, questioning who would bear the financial burden of repairs if the roads were rendered unusable. Moreover, the plan has sparked a debate about the implications of holding a military parade, traditionally seen as a celebration of military victories, especially considering the current political context where military displays under Trump's administration have raised alarm among critics. These critics argue that the parade serves more to bolster Trump’s image and assert his control over the military rather than to honor military service. This event marks a considerable departure from the tradition of military parades in the U.S., which have generally occurred during significant national victories or events. Over the past decades, military parades have been rare, with the last major event occurring in 1991 after the Gulf War. The upcoming parade, therefore, is positioned as a controversial celebration that intertwines national pride with the incumbent president’s personal legacy.