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Boston Globe
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Trump is getting his military parade in Washington. On his birthday.
But critics say it is another example of how Trump has politicized the military. The Army estimates the cost at $25 million to $45 million. But it could be higher because the Army has promised to fix any city streets that the parade damages, plus the cost of cleanup and police are not yet part of the estimate. While $45 million is a tiny fraction of Trump's proposed Pentagon budget of $1.01 trillion for fiscal year 2026, it comes as the administration seeks to slash funding for education, health and public assistance. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up 'It's a lot of money,' the Army spokesperson Steve Warren acknowledged. 'But I think that amount of money is dwarfed by 250 years of service and sacrifice by America's Army.' Advertisement The parade will include tanks, other vehicles, and helicopters. Eric Gay/Associated Press The Army is not calling the event a birthday parade for Trump. It is the Army's birthday parade. The Continental Army was officially formed on June 14, 1775, so June 14 will mark 250 years. Advertisement That also happens to be Trump's birthday. Related : There was no big parade in Washington back when the Army turned 200 in 1975, when Vietnam War scars were still raw. While smaller commemorations were held at Army bases around the country, complete with dinner dances, barbershop quartets and cake cutting, few people were looking to glorify the military so soon after the Kent State shootings. Besides, the country was gearing up for big bicentennial celebrations the next year. If things were going to be similarly low-key this time around, Fort Myer, across the Potomac in Arlington, Virginia, might be an ideal location, 'where the Old Guard could march with some veterans,' said Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the leading Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, in a reference to the 3rd Infantry Regiment, the Army's oldest active duty infantry unit. 'But this is Trump,' Reed added, speaking to reporters last week at the Defense Writers Group. 'It's consistent with so much of what he's doing.' President Trump attended an Independence Day celebration in front of the Lincoln Memorial, July 4, 2019, that featured a flyover by the US Navy Blue Angels. Alex Brandon/Associated Press Army officials say the parade will cross in front of Trump's viewing stand on Constitution Avenue, near the White House, on the evening of Saturday, June 14, part of a big bash on the National Mall. There will be marching troops who will be housed in two government buildings, officials say. They will sleep on military cots and bring their own sleeping bags, a topic of much merriment on late-night television. There will be Paladins, the huge self-propelled howitzers, and nods to vintage style. Army officials want to outfit some troops in uniforms from the wars of long ago, like the one in 1812 or the Spanish-American War. For more than two years, the Army has been planning national, global and even interstellar aspects of the celebration -- an Army astronaut on the International Space Station will be phoning in, Warren said. Advertisement But those planned celebrations focused on festivals, a postal stamp, various fun runs, military bands and the like. At some point this year, Army officials said, a military parade in Washington appeared in the plans. Related : Still, officials say there are no plans at the moment to sing 'Happy Birthday' to Trump, or to the Army, during the parade. One plan does, however, call for paratroopers from the Golden Knights, the Army parachute team, to land amid the festivities and hand Trump a flag. In 2017 during his first term, Trump watched the Bastille Day parade in Paris with President Emmanuel Macron of France and returned home wanting his own. But the Trump 1.0 Pentagon shut him down. Jim Mattis, the defense secretary at the time, said he would 'rather swallow acid,' according to 'Holding the Line,' a book by Guy Snodgrass, Mattis' former speechwriter. 'We're all aware in this country of the president's affection and respect for the military,' Mattis said tersely when reporters asked about Trump's wishes. 'We have been putting together some options. We will send them up to the White House for decision.' President Trump, pictured with French President Emmanuel Macron, watched the Bastille Day parade on the Champs Elysees avenue in Paris, on July 14, 2017. Carolyn Kaster/Associated Press Gen. Paul J. Selva, then the vice chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told Trump during a meeting at the Pentagon that military parades were 'what dictators do,' according to 'The Divider,' by Peter Baker, a New York Times reporter, and Susan Glasser. When Mattis was gone, Trump brought up the idea again. Mattis' successor, Mark T. Esper, responded with an 'air parade' as part of July 4 celebrations in 2020, Pentagon officials said. An array of fighter jets and other warplanes flew down the East Coast over cities that played roles in the American Revolution, including Boston, New York and Philadelphia. Advertisement Officials in Trump's first Defense Department resisted his parade suggestion -- it was never a direct order -- because they viewed it as putting the military in the middle of politics, something the Pentagon historically has been loath to do. But now Trump has Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and military leaders who have been more willing to put his musings into action. This 'raises the question, 'Is the U.S. military celebrating Trump?'' said Risa Brooks, an associate professor of political science at Marquette University. 'Having tanks rolling down streets of the capital doesn't look like something consistent with the tradition of a professional, highly capable military,' Brooks said in an interview. 'It looks instead like a military that is politicized and turning inwardly, focusing on domestic oriented adversaries instead of external ones.' There have been big American military parades in the past, but the last one was almost 35 years ago, to commemorate the end of the first Gulf War. Military parades in the United States have traditionally followed the end of major conflicts, such as the Civil War and the two World Wars. There were also military parades during three presidential inaugurations during the Cold War. And small-town festivities also sometimes commemorate the military with a few armored vehicles and troops. 'I don't actually see the problem with a military parade,' said Kori Schake, a former defense official in the George W. Bush administration who directs foreign and defense policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute. Schake said more Americans need to see the troops who serve the country. Advertisement 'If seeing our fellow Americans in uniform encourages public knowledge and connection, or inspires volunteering, it would be beneficial,' she said. At the end of the day, 'the military won't die on this hill even if they do not like it,' said Peter Feaver, a political-science professor at Duke University who has studied the military for decades. 'Trump's 2.0 team is better at giving the president what he wants whether or not it is best in the long run.' This article originally appeared in .
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
III Corps loads up for Army's 250th birthday celebration
Fort Cavazos, Tx (FOX 44) – The III Armored Corps is conducting rail loading operations in preparation for the Army's 250th birthday celebration in Washington, D.C. At Fort Cavazos' railyard, M1 Abrams, Paladins, Bradleys, and Strykers from the 1st Cavalry Division received a fresh coat of paint, underwent validation, and were carefully loaded and secured onto railcars for transport to the nation's capital. The Army is celebrating its 250th birthday on June 14 with multiple events. The national level celebration will include a day-long festival on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., a parade and a spectacular fireworks display. The festival will feature displays of Army equipment, military demonstrations, activities for kids, musical performances and a fitness competition. Parade planning is actively underway, and planners anticipate approximately 150 vehicles, 50 aircraft, and 6,600 Soldiers to highlight the Army's 250 years of service to the nation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Time of India
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
From soldiers sleeping in D.C. offices to tanks and cannons, here's a play-by-play account of how Donald Trump's birthday parade will unfold next month
Washington, D.C. is getting set for a spectacular display of military might and pomp on June 14, the date that is both the 250th anniversary of the US Army and US president Donald Trump's 79th birthday, as per a report. Washington Readies for Massive Military Parade Army planning documents revealed that the military parade would feature dozens of tanks, warplanes in the sky and 7,500 soldiers housed in government office buildings downtown, reported USA Today. In honour of the army's victory in the Gulf War, on June 8, 1991, thousands of troops along with tanks and other armoured vehicles paraded through Washington, according to the report. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Want to know more? click here Undo Now, there are speculations if the parade is a "celebration of the Army's storied heritage or a homage to Trump and the political movement he leads. Or both?" wrote USA Today. As per the report, army officials explained that they have long planned a major celebration for their milestone anniversary. Live Events ALSO READ: Ex-FBI boss James Comey posts two numbers, 86 and 47, sparking a stir in MAGA world; here's what they signify and why Donald Trump's sympathizers are up in arms While, the director of the White House Domestic Policy Council , Vince Haley said that the US president is planning "an historic celebration of the Army's 250th birthday," quoted USA Today. However, his statement does not mention Trump's birthday, reported USA Today. Haley highlighted that, "As one of the first events of the year-long celebration of our 250th anniversary, this commemorative parade will be a fitting tribute to the service, sacrifice, and selflessness of the brave men and women who have worn the uniform and devoted their lives to defending the greatest experiment in liberty known to man,' as quoted in the report. Soldiers to Sleep in Office Buildings The troops and their equipment will start arriving days before the parade from all over the nation and will be quartered in the Department of Agriculture building and a former government warehouse owned by the General Service Administration on Seventh Street, reported USA Today. While, soldiers have been instructed to bring sleeping bags, each day's food will consist of two MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) and one hot meal, as well as $50 daily in special pay, as per the report. ALSO READ: Despite tanking sales, Tesla mulls mega payday for Elon Musk, sparking outrage and confusion among investors and analysts Parade Route and Presidential Presence As per USA Today, there will be 120 vehicles, 24 Abrams tanks, 24 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, an armoured vehicle that has a similar design but is smaller than a tank and four Paladins, enormous self-propelled howitzer cannons. Vintage warplanes like the World War II-era B-17 bomber and P-51 Mustang fighter will fly over the National Mall, according to the report. Later, newer planes will follow, including 50 Apache, Black Hawk and Chinook helicopters, as per USA Today. The parade will march in front of Trump's viewing stand on Constitution Avenue just south of the White House at about 6 p.m., reported USA Today. Trump will oversee the enlistment and reenlistment of soldiers at the end of the parade, according to the report. The parade will conclude with fireworks at dusk. FAQs Why is there a military parade on June 14? It celebrates the 250th anniversary of the US Army and coincidentally, Donald Trump's birthday. Is this really for the Army or for Trump? It's officially for the Army, but some say it's also a birthday celebration for Trump.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Report: Army drafts plan for parade with 6,600 troops on Trump's birthday
Detailed Army planning documents obtained by the Associated Press show just how far along discussions have come for a potential military parade on June 14 — a date that marks both the Army's 250th birthday and former President Donald Trump's 79th. The plans call for a full-scale display of military power on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., featuring more than 6,600 troops, 150 vehicles, 50 helicopters, seven Army bands, and fireworks. The proposed parade — still pending final White House approval — would be the first of its kind in the U.S. in decades. If it happens, it would be the realization of a spectacle Trump has long wanted: a show of American military might on his birthday. But it also carries high logistical hurdles and an unclear price tag — though similar proposals in 2018 were scrapped over cost estimates nearing $92 million. By the numbers According to the April 29–30 planning documents, the Army is preparing for: 6,600+ soldiers involved 150 military vehicles, including tanks, Bradleys, Strykers, and Paladins 50 helicopters Seven Army bands A Golden Knights parachute jump A fireworks finale Participation from 11 corps and divisions across the country Officials also anticipate up to 2,000 civilian participants, including military colleges, reenactor groups, veterans organizations, and historic vehicles. Roughly 6,300 of the soldiers would be marching, while the rest would support logistics and operations. Some of the equipment was already part of the Army's birthday festival — but the proposed parade would significantly scale up the event. The backstory The original Army birthday event, long in the works, was intended as a public celebration of the institution's 250-year legacy. But as plans evolved this spring, a new component entered the discussion: a military parade timed to Trump's birthday. White House approval is still pending, but Trump has long expressed interest in holding a massive military parade in Washington. After witnessing France's Bastille Day parade in 2017, he said he wanted one "even grander" down Pennsylvania Avenue. That idea was ultimately abandoned in 2018, with Trump blaming high costs and "local politicians" in D.C. for blocking it. The new parade plans echo that original vision, complete with armored vehicles and flyovers — features that D.C. officials previously rejected over fears of street damage. The other side D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said in April that federal officials had contacted her office about a parade stretching from Arlington, Virginia, across the Potomac River into downtown Washington. Though she stopped short of calling it a "military parade," she warned, "Tanks rolling through the city's streets would not be good," adding, "If military tanks were used, they should be accompanied with many millions of dollars to repair the roads." An earlier Pentagon memo from 2018 backed that concern, recommending only wheeled vehicles and no tanks to avoid tearing up infrastructure. The planning documents reviewed by the AP also reveal a number of unknowns. The largest is which Army units would be selected to participate, and where exactly those troops would be housed. Some equipment would need to be flown or transported by train into the region. The event would likely be designated a National Special Security Event, placing it under the jurisdiction of the Secret Service and involving high levels of federal coordination. That request is currently under review. Big picture view The parade — if it moves forward — would represent the largest public military display in Washington in decades. It also comes during Trump's second term, with his administration pushing to reshape federal agencies, including efforts to dismantle the Department of Education. While the Army has emphasized that the event is a birthday celebration for the service, the political symbolism of aligning it with Trump's birthday is hard to ignore. Army spokesperson Col. Dave Butler said the Army wants the public to "celebrate with us," adding, "We want Americans to know their Army and their soldiers. A parade might become part of that." What's next Final approval for the parade is still pending. As of May 1, the Army and White House have not announced a decision. If greenlit, the parade would occur the evening of Friday, June 14 — featuring a concert and fireworks to follow. The Source This report is based on internal Army planning documents dated April 29–30 and obtained by the Associated Press. Additional quotes and context come from AP reporting by Lolita C. Baldor and prior coverage from FOX 5 DC. Official statements from the Army and D.C. government are also included. The Source This report is based on internal Army planning documents dated April 29–30 and obtained by the Associated Press. Additional quotes and context come from AP reporting by Lolita C. Baldor and prior coverage from FOX 5 DC. Official statements from the Army and D.C. government are also included. This story was reported from Los Angeles.
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Is the US Army planning a parade on June 14 to celebrate Donald Trump's 79th birthday?
The U.S. Army has developed detailed plans for a large-scale military parade on June 14 — coinciding with its 250th anniversary and former President Donald Trump 's 79th birthday — involving over 6,600 soldiers, 150 vehicles, 50 helicopters, and seven military bands, according to planning documents obtained by The Associated Press. The plans, dated April 29–30, also anticipate participation by thousands of civilians, including veterans' groups and historical reenactors. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack Nuclear Power! How India and Pakistan's arsenals stack up Does America have a plan to capture Pakistan's nuclear weapons? Airspace blockade: India plots a flight path to skip Pakistan While no final decision has been made, the parade remains under active discussion, pending potential White House approval. Army spokespersons have confirmed ongoing preparations but emphasized that plans remain fluid. 'We want to make it an event the entire nation can celebrate,' said Col. Dave Butler, noting that a parade would highlight the Army's history and connect Americans with their military. However, the proposal has reignited concerns over cost and infrastructure damage. Similar plans in Trump's first term were abandoned amid estimates nearing $92 million and warnings from city officials about the strain heavy armored vehicles could place on Washington, D.C.'s roads. Continue to video 5 5 Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x 5 5 / Skip Ads by by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 3 Reasons to Plug This Into Your Home Today elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Learn More Undo D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser confirmed that federal officials recently approached the city about a potential parade stretching from Arlington, Virginia, to downtown Washington. She warned that if tanks are involved, "they should be accompanied with many millions of dollars to repair the roads." The proposed route, extensive logistics, and potential inclusion of tanks and artillery units — such as Stryker and Bradley vehicles, Howitzers, and Paladins — have triggered security concerns, particularly over housing troops and managing equipment transport. The National Park Service has requested the event be designated a National Special Security Event, a status currently under review. Live Events The parade would follow an evening concert and fireworks display, though changes to the blueprint are expected in the coming weeks. Despite uncertainties, the Army continues planning for a potential presidential green light.
