The upcoming parade in Washington, D.C., is set to be a grand spectacle, drawing both admiration and criticism. Scheduled for Saturday, this event is designed to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the US Army and coincides with Donald Trump's 79th birthday. While the Army has stated that it will not officially recognize Trump's birthday, the former president is expected to play a pivotal role in what has been described as a made-for-TV extravaganza featuring tanks, rocket launchers, and missiles.
This show of military might comes just a week after Trump activated thousands of National Guard troops and marines to address protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles. Critics argue that this move sets a troubling precedent for the future of democracy in America. Rick Wilson, a political strategist and co-founder of the Lincoln Project, commented, “He’s adopted not only the signifiers of dictator chic but the actual articles of its faith.” According to Wilson, this parade is not about honoring the Army but rather about inflating Trump's ego.
Originally, the Army's 250th anniversary was intended to be a modest event, with a permit request filed for a gathering of just 300 people, featuring a concert by the Army band and a cannon firing. However, following Trump's election, the plans transformed drastically. Approximately 6,700 troops, 150 vehicles, and 50 aircraft will now participate in a grand celebration, with vehicles transported to the city via trains and trucks, while helicopters will arrive by air.
The day's festivities will include a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, a fitness competition, and an Army birthday festival on the National Mall that will showcase military equipment and demonstrations. The parade itself will feature a staggering 28 M1 Abrams tanks, 28 Bradley Fighting Vehicles, and various artillery units, all making their way towards the White House.
Security measures for this high-profile event are extensive, with law enforcement agencies deploying thousands of officers to ensure safety. The preparations include 18.5 miles of anti-scale fencing, concrete barriers, and magnetometers. The Secret Service is actively monitoring potential protests, with 2,000 events planned nationwide under the theme “No Kings.”
Critics are already vocal about the implications of such a display. Bill Galston from the Brookings Institution noted that the parade reflects Trump's obsession with visual spectacle and power. Meanwhile, former advisor Sidney Blumenthal suggested that Trump sees the military as a prop for his own grandiosity, stating, “He doesn’t particularly like the military.”
Democratic leaders are also expressing concern, arguing that Trump is appropriating the Army's birthday celebration for his personal gain. Senator Jack Reed remarked, “This is Trump. This is all about his ego, which is a discredit to the military.” The estimated cost of the event could range from $25 million to $45 million, excluding the additional expenses the city of Washington will incur.
Military parades in the United States are relatively rare, with notable exceptions during the inaugurations of Presidents Harry Truman and John F. Kennedy. Trump has long expressed a desire for military parades, inspired by his experiences during a trip to France in 2017. Previous attempts to organize such events were met with resistance from military leaders, who compared them to displays of authoritarian power.
As the parade approaches, it is clear that the implications extend far beyond mere celebration. With a backdrop of heightened security and public dissent, this event raises questions about the intersection of military power and political spectacle in contemporary America.
