The Trump administration is preparing a military parade in Washington, D.C., on June 14 to celebrate the former president’s 79th birthday and the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary.
A senior administration official confirmed the parade plans to NewsNation, according to The Hill.
The event was first reported by Washington City Paper, which noted that the parade route will stretch nearly four miles, beginning at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and ending at the White House.
An Army official confirmed the expected parade route to The Hill, adding that while the parade is not yet finalized, plans are underway.
The Army has been organizing the anniversary celebration for over a year, originally intending a larger-than-usual display, which has now expanded further to include more participating units.
Washington’s local government is also involved in the planning process, with both Army and city engineers conducting route reconnaissance.
Army spokesperson Col. Dave Butler told The Hill that while the parade has not been officially confirmed, the Army is coordinating with the White House and other government agencies to make the celebration a national-level event.
“The Army is very excited to celebrate its 250th anniversary with the entire country. Our goal is for Americans to feel pride in both their Army and their nation,” he said.
Trump previously called for a large-scale military parade in 2018 after attending France’s Bastille Day celebrations.
“We’re going to have to try to top it,” he reportedly told French President Emmanuel Macron. However, that event was later canceled after the projected cost reached $92 million, and defense officials cited higher priorities.
At the time, the proposed parade drew criticism. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin called it a “fantastic waste of money to amuse the president,” while Senator Lindsey Graham, a Trump ally, warned it shouldn’t become a “Soviet-style” show of military force.
Washington officials also expressed concerns that the use of heavy military vehicles could damage city roads and impose significant public safety costs.
While the Defense Department might cover some expenses using its training budget, such as flyovers and vehicles from nearby bases, additional costs would include Secret Service and police staffing, as well as renting and constructing stands and barriers.
With June 14 just under 10 weeks away, the planning timeline remains tight.
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