Army Eyes Massive Military Parade on Trump’s Birthday, Plans Involving 6,600 Soldiers Under Discussion

As President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday approaches on June 14, new designs are secretly underway behind the scenes in Washington, D.C., and they’re monumentally gigantic. Under internal Army planning documents obtained by the Associated Press, a huge military parade could be part of the long-planned celebration of the Army’s 250th anniversary. And if the plans materialize, it would be one of the largest gatherings of its kind in recent history.

No official decision has yet been made, but the range of what’s being considered is enormous. Imagine: more than 6,600 soldiers, more than 150 military vehicles, 50 helicopters, seven Army bands, and perhaps even thousands of civilian volunteers. It would be an opulent display of military power and pomp on the National Mall and, naturally, it would be on Trump’s birthday.

A Birthday Parade Fit for a Former Commander-in-Chief?

The idea of a military parade is familiar to Trump. As president, he famously requested a grand military parade in the aftermath of what he saw of France’s Bastille Day celebration in 2017. But there were concerns over logistics and the prohibitive costs estimated at around $92 million and the idea was shelved. Trump canceled a planned parade in 2018 and blamed the cancellation on what he said were inflated costs by D.C. authorities.

Since the 250th anniversary of the Army coincided with Trump’s birthday, June 14, now that the coincidence is actually Trump’s birthday, the idea of a parade is back in consideration. While technically a celebration of the Army’s birthday, the timing has raised an eyebrow and a conspiracy theory that this could become an unofficial tribute to Trump’s original long-time vision.

What’s in the Works?

Foci of the plans is a huge festival on the National Mall, in the works for over a year. The initial proposal was already set to include military vehicles, rock climbing walls, fitness competitions, and interactive public displays. Under recent negotiations, however, discussion was about expanding the affair into a full-fledged military parade.

This parade would feature a dazzling cross-section of the U.S. Army: infantry and tank battalions, Strykers, Paladins, Bradleys, Howitzers – name them. 11 corps and divisions of troops from all over the country could be mobilized, while the Golden Knights parachute unit would make an entrance befitting Hollywood. Historical reenactors, veterans’ organizations, and even civilian marching bands will likely be added to the mix.

Of the 6,600 troops that can be called in, about 6,300 would show up in the parade. The rest would be supporting and logistical troops. It’s a mammoth operation especially considering many of the cars and planes would have to be driven or flown into D.C.

A National Security Event in the Making

Depending on the nature and scale of the proposed parade, it would most probably be a National Special Security Event. Should that be the case, that would involve such agencies as the Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security in planning for security. The National Park Service has the request for this designation in its hands already, but it remains to be acted upon.

Safety is just one of the concerns. One planning document said that it is still going on: housing troops and safely bringing military equipment into the capital. And then there is that elephant in the room: tanks and armored cars on city streets.

A Tank-Sized Headache for D.C. Officials

D.C. local government officials aren’t hesitant to express their concern. Mayor Muriel Bowwer has already spoken about how tanks driving through the city can cause immense damage to local infrastructure and wants federal money if that happens so she can repair it herself. She was contacted by federal officials about potentially having a June 14 parade but wasn’t clear on what it was being sold as.

If tanks are deployed, they must come with hundreds of millions of dollars to repair the roads,” Bowser said starkly. Her concerns are not unfounded. When a comparable parade was on the table in 2018, Pentagon officials suggested that wheeled vehicles only be employed in not tearing up the streets.

No Official Green Light Yet

No formal White House or Pentagon sanction has been announced yet. Army officials indicated the anniversary celebration is still planned, but the addition of a parade is still in the discussion process.

We’d like to make it an experience that the entire country can enjoy with us,” Army spokesman Col. Dave Butler said. “We’d like Americans to become accustomed to their soldiers and their Army. A parade would be part of that, and we feel that will be a fine addition.”.

In spite of that, some of the papers say so explicitly: these plans are being prepared in anticipation of future White House approval, and that approval may happen at any moment.

Trump’s Role: Spurring the Vision?

While Trump himself has not explicitly addressed the June 14 agenda, he just posted on Truth Social: “We are going to start celebrating our victories again!” He also proposed renaming large national holidays like Veterans Day and VE Day to commemorate American victories in World Wars I and II.

Whatever the June 14 parade amounts to a birthday party for the Army, a Trump-style bash, or both the event has the potential to be one of the most anticipated parties in D.C. this year. Now everyone’s wondering if the authorities will provide their imprimatur and, if they do, who will pay for the tanks and pothole repair.

Either way, the backdrop is set for potentially grand celebration of military heritage or a new flash point in America’s never-ending political soap opera.