Washington, D.C. will host an unusual showcase of military prowess this summer as a joint celebration of President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday and the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary is set to feature up to 25 tanks rolling through the city, according to U.S. officials. The event, planned for June 14, comes with an estimated cost between $25 million and $45 million.
The event signifies an expansion of the Army’s originally planned anniversary festivities, now including a parade to honor the president’s birthday. Officials who spoke to Reuters under anonymity noted that adding parade elements increased the budget by several million dollars beyond what was allocated for the Army’s anniversary alone.
The military plans to deploy around two dozen M1 Abrams tanks for the event, according to sources. Each of these vehicles weighs over 60 tons and will be part of a significant military presence in the capital, which is expected to include over 6,500 troops, approximately 150 vehicles, and 50 aircraft.
The cost estimates from officials do not account for additional expenses the District of Columbia might face, such as repairs to roads damaged by the tanks or post-event cleanup. Local authorities have yet to comment publicly on the potential impact on city infrastructure or services.
Military parades of this magnitude are rare in American history, usually reserved for notable victories or milestones. The last significant tank parade in Washington happened in 1991, celebrating the Gulf War’s successful conclusion when U.S.-led forces expelled Iraqi President Saddam Hussein’s troops from Kuwait.
This is not President Trump’s first attempt to organize a military parade during his presidency. After attending France’s Bastille Day celebrations in 2017, where he observed French forces marching along the Champs-Élysées with President Emmanuel Macron, he instructed the Pentagon to explore possibilities for a similar display. Those initial plans were estimated to cost about $90 million before being scaled back.
Trump eventually opted for a more modest demonstration during the Independence Day celebrations in 2019. This included static displays of armored vehicles at the Lincoln Memorial and military aircraft flyovers.
The Army’s 250th anniversary is a significant milestone for the military branch, which traces its roots back to June 14, 1775, when the Continental Congress authorized the Continental Army’s formation during the American Revolution. Military branches usually commemorate such anniversaries with ceremonies across the U.S. and at bases worldwide.
During a press briefing last week, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates expressed his support for the forthcoming celebration. Gates emphasized the occasion’s importance, stating that “the Army has a proud 250-year history defending our nation,” and noted the significance of appropriately recognizing the milestone. He mentioned ongoing efforts with the White House to ensure the festivities honor both the nation’s military legacy and the Commander-in-Chief.
The dual celebration has attracted criticism from some, with detractors calling it an excessive display during a period when the administration has enacted significant cost-cutting measures across federal agencies. Senator Mark Warner of Virginia described the spending as “fiscally irresponsible” and questioned the appropriateness of merging a presidential birthday celebration with a military anniversary.
On Tuesday, May 13, Warner stated that while the Army’s storied history should undoubtedly be honored, allocating tens of millions of taxpayer dollars for a parade seemed inconsistent with budget limitations being applied in other areas.
Former White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany voiced support for the plans, emphasizing that the event would honor both the president and 250 years of sacrifices by American soldiers. McEnany noted that the alignment of the president’s birthday with the Army’s anniversary provided a rare opportunity to celebrate two significant American institutions simultaneously.
Planning for the event continues, with specifics regarding the parade route, public access, and security measures expected to be announced in the coming weeks. The National Park Service and D.C. Metropolitan Police Department are coordinating with military officials on logistics and crowd management for what is expected to be a large-scale event drawing both supporters and potential protesters.