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Army’s 250th anniversary parade to proceed rain or shine 

Diane Duenez (Weekend Managing Editor)
Image credit: AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais
This recording was made using enhanced software.

Summary

'Rain or shine'

President Donald Trump confirmed Saturday's parade will proceed despite rainy weather, though delays are possible if lightning occurs. The event marks the Army’s 250th anniversary and coincides with Trump’s 79th birthday.

Festivities planned

The event includes thousands of soldiers, military equipment, musical performances, over 50 booths, kid-friendly zones and NFL meet-and-greets, with an estimated attendance of 200,000.

Critics point out price tag

The $40 million parade has faced criticism for potential street damage and government spending, with an Associated Press poll showing 6 in 10 Americans view it as an unwise use of funds.

Full story

President Donald Trump announced on social media Saturday morning, June 14, that a parade commemorating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary will proceed as planned, rain or shine. “REMEMBER, A RAINY DAY PARADE BRINGS GOOD LUCK. I’LL SEE YOU ALL IN D.C.,” Trump wrote.

Rain is forecast for Saturday evening’s event, and White House spokesperson Anna Kelly confirmed the event would go forward. However, Kelly noted the parade could face delays if lightning strikes, as authorities are prepared to evacuate the National Mall in such cases.

The National Mall will host the festivities, marking the Army’s 250th anniversary and coinciding with Trump’s 79th birthday. The event includes thousands of soldiers, military equipment, musical performances, over 50 booths, kid-friendly zones and NFL meet-and-greet opportunities. Organizers estimate attendance at around 200,000.

Critics of the parade

Critics of the parade, which carries a price tag upwards of $40 million, have raised concerns about potential damage to streets caused by tanks. The Army has taken measures to protect the streets, such as laying metal plates along the parade route.

An Associated Press poll found that approximately 6 in 10 Americans believe the parade is “not a good use” of government funds. Among those polled, 78% held neutral opinions on the parade but expressed concerns about spending.

The parade fulfills Trump’s long-standing desire for a grand procession, inspired by his visit to France for Bastille Day in 2017. After witnessing the two-hour parade along the Champs-Élysées, Trump expressed his aspiration for an even larger display on Pennsylvania Avenue.

How to watch

The Army has announced it will stream the parade on its social media platforms. News outlets, including C-SPAN and Fox News Channel, plan to broadcast the entire event live, while others, like NBC News Now, will provide streaming coverage.

The parade is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. and will last approximately 90 minutes.

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Why this story matters

A large-scale military parade in Washington, D.C., marking the Army's 250th anniversary and President Trump's birthday, has prompted debate over government spending, public safety and the display of military power in civic celebrations.

Government spending

The event faces potential delays and evacuations due to weather risks such as lightning, and measures have been implemented to prevent damage to city infrastructure.

Political symbolism

The parade fulfills a longstanding ambition of President Trump, and serves as a display of military power in a prominent civic context, echoing international inspirations and inviting discussion on its broader meaning.

Public safety and logistics

The event faces potential delays and evacuations due to weather risks such as lightning, and measures have been implemented to prevent damage to city infrastructure.

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Behind the numbers

Multiple sources report that the parade’s cost ranges from $25 million to $45 million. According to officials quoted by Reuters and the Associated Press, this figure includes transportation of heavy military vehicles, security measures and road repairs. About 6,600 soldiers, 128 tanks or armored vehicles, and 62 aircraft are being mobilized, emphasizing the parade’s substantial scale and taxpayer impact.

Debunking

While some outlets claim the parade is a birthday celebration for Trump, administration and Army officials state it is intended to commemorate the Army’s anniversary, not the president's birthday. However, critics, and some reporting from left-leaning media, highlight the overlap in timing and planning as evidence of political motivation, demonstrating differing interpretations of intent.

History lesson

The last major U.S. military parade was in 1991, celebrating victory in the Gulf War. Previously, such parades marked the end of large conflicts, not regular commemorations. Historically, the U.S. has been reluctant to hold military parades outside wartime or inaugurations, contrasting with traditions in some authoritarian or semi-authoritarian states.

Sources

  1. U.S. President Donald Trump via Truth Social
  2. The Associated Press
  3. U.S. Army

Bias comparison

  • Media outlets on the left frame the military parade primarily as a politicized spectacle engineered to glorify Trump, employing charged language like “vanity parade,” “authoritarian display,” and “spectacle of dominance” to criticize the event as undermining democratic norms and militarizing domestic politics.
  • Not enough unique coverage from media outlets in the center to provide a bias comparison.
  • Media outlets on the right emphasize patriotic celebration and historical legacy, calling it an “amazing opportunity” to honor the Army and boost recruitment, often invoking Trump as a “master showman” defending national pride.

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Media landscape

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267 total sources

Key points from the Left

  • President Trump is hosting a military parade in Washington for the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary, which will cost between $25 million and $45 million, according to an Army spokesperson.
  • The parade will feature thousands of soldiers, dozens of military aircraft, and a fireworks show, expected to attract hundreds of thousands of attendees, the Secret Service stated.

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Key points from the Center

No summary available because of a lack of coverage.

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Key points from the Right

  • Washington, D.C., is preparing for a parade to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, featuring around 6,600 soldiers and various military vehicles.
  • The estimated cost of the event ranges from $25 million to $45 million, raising concerns among members of Congress.
  • President Trump claimed the parade is a demonstration of military might and an opportunity for recruitment.

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Timeline

Sources

  1. U.S. President Donald Trump via Truth Social
  2. The Associated Press
  3. U.S. Army

Timeline