The U.S. Army is drafting detailed plans for a large-scale military parade on June 14, 2025, which would coincide with both the Army’s 250th birthday and President Donald Trump‘s 79th.
Context
Trump has long pushed for a grand military parade since witnessing France’s Bastille Day parade in 2017. A similar plan during his first term was canceled due to an estimated $92 million price tag and objections from Washington, D.C., officials over the damage tanks and armored vehicles could cause to roads.
What to Know
According to planning documents obtained by the Associated Press, the proposed event would include more than 6,600 soldiers, at least 150 military vehicles, 50 helicopters, seven bands and potentially thousands of civilians. Though no final decision has been made, the parade would mark a significant expansion of the Army’s already scheduled birthday festival on the National Mall, raising concerns about costs and logistics.
Associated Press
The documents, dated April 29 and 30, represent the Army’s most current plans, which include assembling troops and equipment from 11 corps and divisions across the country. Units listed range from tank and infantry battalions to artillery and Stryker units. The parade would also feature a parachute jump by the Army’s Golden Knights, historical reenactors and veterans’ groups.
The parade is expected to follow a route from Arlington, Virginia, across the Potomac into Washington, D.C., and conclude with a concert and fireworks. Among the challenges the Army has identified are housing for incoming troops and significant security requirements for the transport and display of equipment.
Arlington County Board Chair Takis Karantonis told the Washington City Paper that Trump’s administration is planning a 4-mile long military parade through the capital, the outlet reported this weekend.
While the Army’s birthday celebration has been in development for over a year, the parade component was added only recently, prompting concerns about the potential costs—likely in the tens of millions—and strain on city infrastructure.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser recently reiterated those concerns, stating that if tanks are used, they should be “accompanied with many millions of dollars to repair the roads.”
Col. Dave Butler added that the Army hopes to create an event the entire nation can celebrate, and a parade could become part of that vision. The National Park Service has already submitted a request to designate the parade a national special security event, which is under review.
What People Are Saying
Col. Dave Butler told the AP, “We want to make it into an event that the entire nation can celebrate with us. We want Americans to know their Army and their soldiers. A parade might become part of that, and we think that will be an excellent addition to what we already have planned.”
Speaking about the Army’s upcoming 250th anniversary, before Trump’s alleged plans for a military parade were revealed, Gen. Randy George, chief of staff of the Army said: “As we prepare for our future, we also reflect on our past. ‘This we’ll defend’ was first used as a battle cry by the Continental Army. Today it reminds us that our Army’s purpose is clear: to fight and win the nation’s wars. We remain committed to honing our warfighting skills, enforcing standards and discipline, and living the values that have defined our Army culture for the past 250 years.”
What Happens Next
Army officials stressed that no final decision has been made, with spokesperson Steve Warren confirming to the AP the plans are still under discussion.
Reporting by the Associated Press contributed to this story.
Update: 5/1/25, 7:51 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information and remarks.
