President Donald Trump is considering a military parade in Washington, D.C., timed to coincide with his 79th birthday on June 14, 2025. This day also marks the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and Flag Day. Reports indicate that the parade route would cover approximately four miles from the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, across the Potomac River to the White House in Washington, D.C.
The proposed parade will feature soldiers, armored vehicles, tactical vehicles, and other military equipment.
CNN anchor Erin Burnett has compared Trump’s proposed military parade to similar displays often seen in countries like North Korea, China, and Russia.
“Trump is busy, said to be planning his own military parade… a celebration that is much more familiar in settings outside the United States, whether that be China, Russia or North Korea—put on by some of the strongmen that Trump has said that he admires.”
Burnett further compared Trump to Russian President Vladimir Putin, pointing out similar behaviors. She noted that Putin, through state-controlled media, often highlights personal interests like his hockey scores. She suggested this could resonate with recent events, referring to Trump’s focus on his golf accomplishments amid global economic reactions to his tariff policies.
The Washington City Paper first reported the parade plans on Sunday, April 6. While the White House informed Fox News that “no military parade has been scheduled,” they did not explicitly deny that planning was underway.
Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser acknowledged the early-stage plans but noted that neither Homeland Security nor the White House had contacted the city’s “special events task force” regarding the event. “I would say it’s at its early stages,” Bowser mentioned, expressing concerns about potential damage to city infrastructure.
This is not Trump’s first attempt at organizing a large-scale military parade. During his first term, he advocated for a similar event inspired by France’s Bastille Day celebrations that he attended in 2017. According to the Associated Press, those plans were ultimately abandoned in 2018 when cost estimates reached about $92 million. The canceled parade was expected to include fighter jets, tanks, and other military aircraft.
The previous parade proposal faced bipartisan criticism, with concerns that it might resemble military displays typically associated with authoritarian regimes. Some critics also questioned the high cost and the potential damage to Washington, D.C.’s streets and infrastructure.
Mayor Bowser has previously objected to having military tanks on the city’s streets, citing the significant costs required for road repairs afterward. Infrastructure considerations, such as the capacity of the 14th Street Bridge to support the weight of military vehicles, would also need to be addressed before any parade could proceed.
The U.S. Army plans to celebrate its 250th anniversary with various events throughout the year. Reports suggest the Army has been exploring options to enhance the celebration, including demonstrations and vehicle displays on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Army officials have confirmed preliminary discussions with the White House and local authorities about organizing a “national-level event” for the milestone anniversary. However, details of these plans, including whether they would incorporate the president’s desired military parade, remain unclear.
The timing of the potential parade has drawn additional scrutiny, given the current economic climate. Media personality Charlamagne tha God criticized the plans, suggesting that with the economy “in the toilet” and “nothing to celebrate right now,” such an expensive display would constitute “wasteful spending.”
Some observers have noted that, unlike countries such as Russia, China, and North Korea, large-scale military parades are not a common tradition in modern American culture. Presidential military parades in the United States have typically been reserved for significant occasions, such as major military victories.
The parade planning comes as the Trump administration has made significant changes at the Pentagon. Several high-ranking generals whose loyalty the president questioned have been removed from their positions. This restructuring could make it easier for the parade to receive military approval this time.
As the proposed date approaches, logistical challenges regarding road closures, security arrangements, and coordination with the Army’s own planned commemorative events will need to be addressed if the parade is to move forward as reported.
