The U.S. Army has now confirmed that a military parade planned for June in Washington, D.C., could cost up to $45 million. The parade would celebrate the Army’s 250th anniversary, which happens to coincide with President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.
Trump’s parade plan
On June 14, more than 6,600 soldiers will march in the parade, showcasing 50 military aircraft and 150 vehicles. The Army said thousands of military visitors for the parade will stay in unused government buildings and sleep on cots. They will also be provided three meals a day and a stipend.
According to a CNBC report, about 5,000 of the participating service members will arrive a few days before the parade.
The celebration will include an all-day festival with music performances, military equipment exhibits and a planned fireworks display.
The officials who spoke with the New York Times about the costs said that the estimate does not include the cost of cleanup or repairs from damage to Washington’s roads from the tank traffic.
What have critics said?
Some Democratic lawmakers have called the planned parade wasteful and over-the-top.
Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., introduced a bill in April that would prohibit the spending of federal money on a military parade in Washington “primarily intended to celebrate the birthday, personal milestone or private interest of any individual, including President Donald J. Trump.”
Groups have already planned protests of the parade in Washington and several other cities across the country.
In a recent interview on “Meet the Press,” Trump defended the parade, saying it would commemorate Flag Day, which also occurs on June 14. He said the cost would be “peanuts compared to the value of doing it.”
Not Trump’s first attempt
During his first term, Trump proposed a similar military parade for Veterans Day. However, the administration dropped the idea over cost concerns.
