Revelations that President Donald Trump is eyeing a massive military parade to celebrate his birthday next month drew swift criticism from observers, with some calling it "shameful."
The Associated Press obtained what it called "detailed Army plans" dating to April 29 for a potential military parade on Trump’s birthday. The unreleased plans call for more than 6,600 soldiers, at least 150 vehicles, 50 helicopters, seven bands and a couple thousand civilians.
"They represent the Army’s most recent blueprint for its long-planned 250th birthday festival on the National Mall and the newly added element — a large military parade that Trump has long wanted but is still being discussed," the report said, noting the plans would likely cost tens of millions of dollars, as troops, vehicles and equipment would need to be moved across the country. Much would need to be moved by train or flown in.
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Army spokesman Steve Warren told AP on Thursday that a final decision has not been made. The Army’s 250th birthday celebration is slated for June 14, coinciding with Trump’s 79th birthday.
“We want to make it into an event that the entire nation can celebrate with us,” Col. Dave Butler, another Army spokesman, told AP. “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.”
Trump has suggested hosting a grand military parade in Washington, D.C., inspired by the French Bastille Day parade he witnessed in 2017. This parade is expected to cover about four miles, starting from the Pentagon in Arlington and ending in the nation's capital.
Previous attempts to hold such a parade during his first term were canceled due to sky-high projections of about $92 million, as well as logistical challenges. At the time, Trump accused local officials of price gouging.
The plans have sparked controversy and criticism on social media, particularly as the Trump administration slashes federal agencies.
"This is INSULTING. The United States is not a fascist regime. We do not parade our troops in imperial manner. We do not pledge allegiance to the president—we uphold the Constitution. Donald Trump is a coward who never served in the military. He is a cartoonist fool with extreme insecurity and mental weakness," wrote investor Leona Nawoichik on X.
Garry Kasparov, vice president of the non-governmental organization World Liberty Congress, wrote, "Perfect. And every Trump supporter attending the parade gets a free black shirt."
The Republicans against Trump account wrote, "Cutting cancer research while wasting money on this? Shameful."
Democratic strategist Keith Boykin took to Blusky to opine, "While Trump is slashing funds for schools, libraries, and cancer research, he’s planning a huge dictator-style military parade in Washington, DC for his 79th birthday."