A military parade set to unfold in the heart of the nation’s capital this Saturday is raising concerns among critics about the implications for American democracy. In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, the event coincides with Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.
While the Army has no plans to officially acknowledge Trump’s birthday, he will be a prominent figure at what is described as a made-for-TV spectacle, featuring tanks, missile displays, and aircraft flybys.
This show of military strength follows Trump’s recent decision to deploy thousands of National Guard troops and Marines to manage protests responding to immigration raids in Los Angeles, which many consider a troubling connection to his governance style. Rick Wilson, a political strategist and co-founder of the Lincoln Project, remarked, “He’s adopted not only the signifiers of dictator chic but the actual articles of its faith. North Korea: military parades. China: military parades. Russia: military parades.” He added, “This is a parade to aggrandise Donald Trump’s ego.”
Initially envisioned as a simple celebration featuring around 300 attendees, military band performances, and cannon firings, the event has transformed into a large-scale affair with an estimated 6,700 troops, 150 vehicles, and 50 aircraft. Equipment logistics include transporting vehicles by train and truck, while helicopters will arrive by air.
The day will commence with a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, subsequently followed by fitness competitions and an army birthday festival on the National Mall, which will showcase military demonstrations.
The parade will culminate with an impressive lineup featuring 28 M1 Abrams tanks, combat vehicles, and various artillery systems, maneuvering towards the White House. This segment of the event also includes 34 horses, two mules, and a dog. According to Axios, a rocket launch system used in overseas operations will be displayed alongside precision-guided missiles.
Aerial components will consist of Apache and Black Hawk helicopters, accompanied by classic aircraft such as a World War II-era B-25 bomber. This flypast occurs amidst precautionary sensitivity, following a January collision involving a Black Hawk helicopter that resulted in 67 fatalities.
Trump expressed his excitement in a recent press briefing, stating, “It’s going to be a parade the likes of which I don’t know if we’ve ever had a parade like that. It’s going to be incredible.”
Amid the extravaganza, Trump will oversee an enlistment ceremony, be presented with a flag by the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team, and will be honored with a fireworks display that lights up the night sky.
Observers note that this display reflects Trump’s penchant for visual spectacle. Bill Galston, a Brookings Institution senior fellow, noted, “He is a very visual person and he is obsessed with not only how he looks but how everybody else looks as well.”
However, critics question Trump’s relationship with the military, pointing to his avoidance of service during Vietnam. Sidney Blumenthal, a former advisor to Bill Clinton, suggested that Trump views the military as a mere prop, citing his distrust of high-ranking officers.
Critics express that this extravagant exhibition is an unnecessary use of resources at a time when federal budget cuts are being made. Planned public protests, under the banner “No Kings,” will occur across the country, culminating in a significant demonstration in Philadelphia, as organizers aim to divert focus from the Washington event.
Massive security measures will be implemented, including a collaboration of law enforcement agencies and the use of drones and barriers to ensure safety during the anticipated events. The U.S. Secret Service has stated they are monitoring potential protests.
The parade’s estimated cost ranges from $25 million to $45 million, with projections suggesting attendance could reach 200,000. This financial outlay excludes potential additional expenses borne by the city of Washington, although the Army has pledged to cover unexpected repairs.
Democrats have criticized Trump for appropriating the Army’s birthday for his personal celebration. Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island remarked, “This is all about his ego and making everything ‘him,’ which is… a discredit to the military.”
While military parades have long been a rare occurrence in the U.S., Trump has previously expressed interest in such displays, citing admiration for foreign military parades he has witnessed. Despite initial resistance from military leadership, plans for this Saturday’s event have come to fruition under the current administration, reflecting a shift in oversight and approach.
Wilson concluded, “This is one more example that there is no adult in the room with Trump… This is a birthday present for Donald Trump at a time when we’re told we have to cut rural hospitals and cut Medicare and Medicaid. Such antics exemplify the lack of restraints on his behavior from his own team.”