Trump’s Long-Awaited Military Parade Finally Realized

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A Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter to be used in the U.S. Army’s 250th Birthday Celebration and Parade is seen near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 11, 2025. Alexander Drago | Reuters

WASHINGTON — Thousands of troops are set to converge on Washington, D.C., on Saturday, accompanied by tanks and helicopters overhead, as President Donald Trump stages a significant event to mark the Army’s 250th anniversary. Trump, whose 79th birthday coincides with the event, has long advocated for a military parade in the nation’s capital—an idea previously dismissed by Pentagon officials during his first term.

Now, with full control of government and an administration filled with loyalists, Trump is getting the elaborate show of force he envisioned, despite criticism. The parade exemplifies Trump flexing his role as commander-in-chief since taking office.

U.S. Army light equipment transporters, Stryker armored vehicles, HEMTT A4 fuel servicing trucks, and other equipment have arrived via rail for the 250th Army Birthday Parade in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 8, 2025. Pfc. Jesse May | U.S. Army | Via Reuters

As the festivities unfold, some of Trump’s opponents are gathering across the nation for “No Kings Day” demonstrations to protest his administration’s policies. Protests are set to occur in nearly 2,000 towns and cities nationwide, according to event organizers.

This presents a vivid contrast, especially given ongoing tensions in Los Angeles that have escalated since Trump deployed the National Guard to manage protests over immigration enforcement policies. In Minnesota, law enforcement officials have cautioned the public against attending planned demonstrations, following targeted shootings of Democratic state lawmakers overnight.

Earlier this week, Trump warned that any protesters in Washington, D.C., will face “very big force.” Security officials indicated that they do not anticipate widespread counterprotests in the nation’s capital but are monitoring potential activities.

The parade also takes place amid rising tensions in the Middle East due to recent attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites and retaliatory actions. Throughout the day, military demonstrations and a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier are scheduled. The parade will feature thousands of soldiers and numerous tanks, capped off by a nighttime fireworks show.

People await the start of the military parade to commemorate the U.S. Army’s 250th Birthday in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 14, 2025. Kevin Lamarque | Reuters

It is expected to be the largest military parade in Washington, D.C., since 1991, when President George H. W. Bush held a military parade following the Gulf War. “It’ll give downtown Moscow or downtown Beijing vibes; it’ll feel like a whole other authoritarian, communist country,” said Arizona-based Republican strategist Barrett Marson.

One significant concern among critics of the event, including some Republicans, is its high price tag, potentially costing up to $45 million, according to an Army spokesperson. This cost has drawn strong criticism as congressional Republicans work to pass the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which includes tax cuts but may add an estimated $4 trillion or more to the federal deficit. Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., remarked that he would not “spend the money” on the event if given the choice, as reported.

Most U.S. adults tend to agree, with a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research indicating that 60% of adults believe the military parade is not a good use of government funds.

U.S. Army soldiers work on an assortment of M1 Alpha 3 Abrams tanks, Stryker armored vehicles, and M2 Bradley fighting vehicles at West Potomac Park along the Potomac River on June 11, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Andrew Harnik | Getty Images

However, Trump views the cost as “peanuts compared to the value of doing it.” He stated in an interview that the U.S. possesses “the greatest missiles in the world, the greatest submarines, the greatest Army tanks, and the greatest weapons,” emphasizing the importance of the celebration.

This is a developing story and will be updated throughout the day.