President Donald Trump is preparing to mark his 79th birthday in grand fashion, with a large-scale military parade through Washington, D.C., that could carry a staggering price tag for U.S. taxpayers. The event, which will also commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, is estimated to cost between $25 million and $45 million, according to a report by Reuters.
The planned celebration is expected to include as many as 25 tanks, 6,500 troops, 150 military vehicles, and approximately 50 aircraft, all set to converge on the nation’s capital for the June 14 event. That date, which marks both the Army’s anniversary and the former president’s birthday, appears to have prompted the idea of combining the two into one large display.
Sources familiar with the planning, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity, noted that the projected costs do not account for additional expenses that may arise after the event. These include post-parade cleanup, trash removal, and potential road repairs caused by the strain of heavy military equipment rolling through city streets.
The event is being coordinated by the U.S. Army, currently led by Trump ally Pete Hegseth. According to officials, the logistics for transporting troops and military hardware into Washington are already underway. The Army’s involvement in the event is framed as part of its 250th anniversary celebration, though the scale and timing of the parade have raised eyebrows among some observers.
Critics have pointed to the high price tag as evidence of government excess, especially in light of the administration’s ongoing promotion of the Department of Government Efficiency. The initiative, backed by both Trump and Elon Musk, has emphasized reducing government spending and streamlining federal operations. For those pushing for fiscal responsibility, a multimillion-dollar birthday parade clashes with the department’s mission.
Despite the criticism, preparations for the event appear to be moving forward. Military personnel and equipment are expected to begin arriving in the capital well in advance of the June 14 celebration. The inclusion of tanks and aircraft is reminiscent of Trump’s earlier efforts to hold military parades during his presidency, efforts that similarly drew scrutiny over cost and necessity.
The White House has not released an official breakdown of the budget for the parade or addressed concerns about infrastructure damage and city resources. Historically, large-scale military demonstrations in urban areas have required significant investment in safety, planning, and restoration. In 2018, a similar parade proposal was ultimately scrapped after it was revealed that the cost could exceed $90 million.
As the date approaches, more details are expected to emerge about the exact scope of the event and how the expenses will be managed. For now, officials say the final cost will depend largely on the scale of the parade and associated support services.
The planned celebration underscores Trump’s continued influence over the Republican base and his penchant for staging high-profile patriotic displays. It also places a spotlight on the administration’s fiscal priorities as questions linger over how such events align with broader calls for budget efficiency.
Whether the event will face additional public or political pushback remains to be seen. But for now, Washington appears to be preparing for what could be one of the most expensive birthday celebrations in presidential history.
Source: thedailybeast
