The Trump administration is organizing a large military parade in Washington, D.C., for June 14 to celebrate President Trump’s 79th birthday, according to a senior administration official.
The event will stretch nearly 4 miles, starting from the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., and ending at the White House. Washington City Paper first reported the parade plans.
This isn’t the first time Trump has pushed for a military parade. Back in 2018, after visiting Paris, Trump was inspired by the French Bastille Day celebration and ordered the Pentagon to plan a similar event.
“We’re going to have to try to top it,” he reportedly said to French President Emmanuel Macron.
However, that parade was scrapped after defense officials said it would cost $92 million, and planning delays made it difficult to pull off. The idea faced heavy criticism from both sides of the aisle. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (Ill.) called it “a fantastic waste of money to amuse the president.” Even Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a strong Trump supporter, warned against making the parade a “Soviet-style” military display.
Local officials were also concerned about the damage heavy military vehicles, like tanks, could cause to D.C.’s streets, along with the costs of public safety and repairs.
Details of the new parade are still unclear, but it will likely be organized by the Army, which handles large events like state funerals and inaugurations. The Pentagon could use its training budget for things like flyovers and vehicles from nearby bases, but other costs, such as paying for Secret Service, police, and the setup of stands and barriers, will add up.
With just under 10 weeks to plan, the timeline is tight for the event scheduled on Trump’s birthday.
