Huge Cost Of Military Parade On Trump’s Birthday Is Revealed

WASHINGTON, May 14 (Reuters) – A grand celebration is set to take place in Washington to honor both U.S. President Donald Trump’s birthday and the 250th anniversary of the Army. The event will feature a parade with up to 25 tanks rolling through the streets, with estimated costs ranging from $25 million to $45 million, according to U.S. officials.

Anniversary celebrations, known as birthdays, are significant events for the U.S. military branches, showcasing their history and achievements. The U.S. Army had originally planned to mark its anniversary by bringing troops and equipment to the National Mall on June 14. However, plans now include a parade to coincide with President Trump’s 79th birthday.

Two U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the total cost of the celebration could reach $45 million, with the inclusion of a parade adding several million dollars to the budget. The Army intends to showcase about two dozen M1 Abrams tanks during the festivities.

The estimated costs do not include expenses that the city of Washington may incur, such as cleanup and road repairs due to the heavy tanks. As previously reported by Reuters, the celebration is expected to involve over 6,500 troops, 150 vehicles, and 50 aircraft.

While supporters see the parade as a patriotic display, critics argue that it represents an authoritarian show of power and is wasteful, especially as President Trump implements cost-cutting measures across the federal government.

President Trump’s interest in military displays dates back to his first term, when he explored the possibility of a similar event following his visit to France in 2017. The proposed display in 2019 would have cost $90 million, but ultimately featured tanks and armored vehicles during a July Fourth celebration in Washington.

Military parades are rare in the United States, with other countries often using them to mark military victories or demonstrate strength. In 1991, a parade in Washington celebrated the successful ousting of President Saddam Hussein’s Iraqi forces from Kuwait during the Gulf War.

(Reporting by Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart; Editing by Richard Chang)