Military march displays organized by President Trump during his initial term of office
WASHINGTON - In a monumental shift from his first term, President Donald Trump's second term will witness a grand military parade in Washington, D.C., on June 14, 2025, coinciding with the Army's 250th anniversary and the President's 79th birthday.
Originally opposed by the Pentagon due to concerns about politicizing the military, this year's parade marks a significant departure from the past. The lavish spectacle will include a plethora of military hardware, from 28 M1A1 Abrams tanks and 28 Stryker armored personnel carriers to 6,700 soldiers, 50 helicopters, and several historical reenactments.
However, critics argue that the event represents another instance of Trump politicizing the military, with the high cost - estimated to be between $25 million to $45 million - drawing particular ire. The Army’s expenses don't stop at the parade itself, as they have promised to repair any city streets damaged during the event, as well as cover cleanup and law enforcement costs.
Despite the Army spokesperson's assertion that the event's significant expenses are dwarfed by 250 years of service and sacrifice by America's Army, the potential expense comes at a time when the administration is seeking to slash funding for education, health, and public assistance.
Contrary to a large parade held in Washington back in 1975, when the Army turned 200, this year's event looks set to be a spectacle. In 1975, the city marked the occasion with smaller commemorations, with fewer people looking to glorify the military so soon after the Kent State shootings.
Sen. Jack Reed, the leading Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, suggests that Fort Myer in Arlington, Virginia, could be an ideal location for a less elaborate event, "where the Old Guard could march with some veterans." However, this may not be the case, as Army officials state that the parade will take place in downtown Washington, with the procession passing in front of Trump'sReviewing Stand on Constitution Avenue, near the White House.
To ensure a comfortable accommodations for the participating troops, they will be housed in two government buildings and will sleep on military cots with their own sleeping bags. This arrangement has become a source of amusement on late-night television.
The parade will also showcase vintage-style uniforms, with soldiers dressed in attire from wars like the one in 1812 or the Spanish-American War. The Army has even planned for an astronaut on the International Space Station to phone in for the celebration.
In his first term, Trump expressed a desire for a military parade but was ultimately thwarted by his Pentagon. Jim Mattis, the defense secretary at the time, resisted the request. Mattis had previously stated that he would "rather swallow acid" when discussing Trump's wishes.
However, with a new Defense Department team in place, Trump's ambitions for a military parade are now being realized. Critics question whether the event will serve as a celebration of the military or of Trump himself, raising concerns about the politicization of the armed forces.
"Having tanks rolling down streets of the capital doesn't look like something consistent with the tradition of a professional, highly capable military," Risa Brooks, an associate professor of political science at Marquette University, contends. Brooks fears that the military parade may reflect a focus on domestic adversaries rather than external ones.
Military parades have historic significance in the United States, with the last major parade taking place to commemorate the end of the first Gulf War almost 35 years ago. In contrast to this event, the 2025 parade is meant to inspire patriotism and future military service by showcasing modern capabilities alongside historical displays.
Despite criticism, some military experts argue that a military parade can boost public knowledge and encourage volunteering. Regardless, the military leadership seems willing to accommodate the President's wishes for the time being. Regardless of whether the military disagrees with the plan, American service members have demonstrated resilience and adaptability throughout history.
- The grand military parade in 2025, despite criticism, may serve to boost public knowledge about military capabilities and encourage future service, as suggested by some military experts.
- The high cost of the military parade, estimated to be between $25 million to $45 million, has drawn ire not just from the high expense itself, but also from the administration's simultaneous proposals to slash funding for education, health, and public assistance.
- As the second term of President Trump unfolds, the prospect of a military parade in Washington, D.C. raises concerns about the politicization of the armed forces, with critics questioning whether the event will serve as a celebration of the military or of Trump himself.
