Washington, D.C. will experience a notable military showcase this summer, as plans for a joint event celebrating President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday and the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary will include the procession of up to 25 tanks through the capital city, according to U.S. officials. Scheduled for June 14, the event is estimated to cost between $25 million and $45 million.
This celebration extends the Army’s previously planned anniversary events, now incorporating a parade aspect to honor the president’s birthday. Officials, speaking to Reuters under anonymity, noted that the parade addition increased the costs by several million dollars beyond the original Army festivities.
Sources indicate that the military plans to deploy around two dozen M1 Abrams tanks for the event. These vehicles, each weighing over 130,000 pounds, will be part of a significant military presence in the capital, with plans for over 6,500 troops, approximately 150 vehicles, and 50 aircraft.
Cost estimates do not include additional expenses that Washington, D.C. would incur, such as road repairs due to tank damage or post-event cleanup. Local officials have not yet commented on possible impacts on city infrastructure or services.
Large-scale military parades are rare in American history, typically marking significant victories or milestones. The last major tank parade in Washington was in 1991, celebrating the end of the Gulf War, when U.S.-led forces expelled Iraqi President Saddam Hussein’s forces from Kuwait.
This is not President Trump’s first effort to organize a military parade during his presidency. In his first term, he directed the Pentagon to explore options after attending France’s Bastille Day celebrations in 2017, where he saw French forces march alongside President Emmanuel Macron. Those plans were initially projected to cost about $90 million before being reduced.
At that time, Trump eventually opted for a more modest display during the 2019 Independence Day celebrations, showcasing static displays of armored vehicles at the Lincoln Memorial and military aircraft flyovers.
The Army’s 250th anniversary is a notable milestone for the branch, which dates back to June 14, 1775, when the Continental Congress approved the formation of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Such anniversaries are typically marked with ceremonies nationwide and at bases around the world.
In a press briefing last week, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates expressed support for the upcoming celebration. Gates emphasized the occasion’s significance, stating, “The Army has a proud 250-year history defending our nation,” and stressed the importance of appropriately recognizing the milestone. He mentioned ongoing efforts with the White House to ensure the festivities honor both the nation’s military heritage and the Commander-in-Chief.
The dual celebration has faced criticism, with some labeling it as excessive during a period of significant budget cuts across federal agencies. Senator Mark Warner of Virginia described the expenditure as “fiscally irresponsible” and questioned the suitability of merging a presidential birthday celebration with a military anniversary.
Planning for the event continues, with details about the parade route, public access, and security measures expected to be released in the coming weeks. The National Park Service and D.C. Metropolitan Police Department are working with military officials on logistics and crowd management for this anticipated large-scale event, which is expected to draw both supporters and potential protesters.
