Trump Defends $45 Million Military Parade Plan, Calling Cost ‘Minimal’ Compared to Symbolism

President Donald Trump said he supports holding a large-scale military parade on June 14—his birthday—calling the estimated $45 million price tag “a small cost” for what he sees as a deeply symbolic tribute to the U.S. military.

“My birthday just happens to fall on Flag Day. I think of it as Flag Day, not necessarily my birthday, but somebody decided to tie the two together,” Trump said in a May 4 interview with NBC News. “We’ll do something around June 14, but I think it’ll be that day. It’s very important.”

The White House previously announced that the parade will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Army, coinciding with Trump’s 79th birthday.

According to U.S. defense officials, the cost could reach $45 million, potentially affecting the Army’s training budgets. Still, Trump dismissed concerns, saying the message behind the parade outweighs its cost. “It’s a minimal expense for something that carries so much meaning,” he said. “We’ve got the best missiles, submarines, and tanks in the world. We’re going to celebrate that.”

U.S. Army spokesperson Heather Hagan said planning is already underway for a large-scale display involving 150 vehicles, 50 aircraft, and 6,600 service members.

Trump said he was inspired after speaking with French President Emmanuel Macron about Europe’s Victory Day commemorations marking the end of World War II. He is also considering hosting new annual events to recognize both world wars. “We did more than any other country to win World War II. Why don’t we have a Victory Day?” he said. “We’re going to have Victory Days for both World War I and World War II.”

On May 1, Trump declared May 8 as Victory Day for World War II and announced plans to rename Veterans Day on November 11 as Victory Day for World War I.

Trump had previously proposed a military parade during his first term after witnessing France’s Bastille Day parade in 2017, but the idea was scrapped over cost concerns. The Pentagon at the time estimated it could cost up to $92 million, with worries that tanks and heavy equipment would damage Washington, D.C.’s streets.

Last month, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser echoed those concerns. “Tanks rolling on our streets is a no-go,” she said. “It would cost millions just to repair the roads.”

The last major military parade in Washington took place in 1991, celebrating the end of the Gulf War.

In the NBC interview, Trump also revealed plans to renovate parts of the White House. He said he wants to replace the grass in the Rose Garden with stone, and convert parts of the East Wing into a ballroom using existing meeting rooms. The renovated space would host events and world leaders.

Trump, a former real estate developer, said he would personally fund the upgrades and possibly accept donations. “I’m not asking the government for the money,” he said. “I’ll pay for it myself—and yes, there will probably be contributions. It’ll cost a lot, but it’ll be beautiful, world-class.”

(Sources: NBC News, AFP)

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