- President Donald Trump is reportedly planning a large-scale military parade this summer to commemorate the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary on the same day as his 79th birthday. This is Trump’s second attempt at a military parade after he unsuccessfully tried to organize one during his first term in 2018.
- Army officials did not give many details on the parade but did confirm its length of four miles.
- The planning for the parade reportedly began last year and has since grown as more units sign on to participate.
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President Donald Trump is planning a large-scale military parade on June 14, his 79th birthday, which also marks the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary.
The plan was first reported by the Washington City Paper and confirmed by a senior administration official. The parade will stretch some four miles from the Pentagon to Arlington, Virginia, to the White House.
What are officials saying?
An Army official acknowledged the length of the parade but told The Hill that nothing is yet solidified. The official offered limited details, saying only that the Army plans to celebrate its 250th anniversary with a “robust increase in what you would see in previous years.”
The Hill reports that plans began last year and have since grown as more units have signed on to participate. Local D.C. officials are involved in logistical planning as Army and city engineers conduct “route reconnaissance.”
What happened during Trump’s first attempt?
This isn’t Trump’s first attempt at a large-scale military parade. In 2018, during his first term, he was inspired by a French Bastille Day event and motivated to plan something. He told French President Emmanuel Macron during the ceremony, “We’re going to have to try to top it.”
However, the event was scrapped when U.S. defense officials said it would cost $92 million, and Trump administration officials criticized the idea both publicly and privately.
D.C. officials also raised concerns that heavy military equipment would damage roads and cost the city millions of dollars for security measures.
Why may it prove difficult?
This year’s parade also faces a tight window, with June 14 less than 10 weeks away.
