• Trump's 79th birthday coincides with the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary on June 14, 2025.
• The parade will feature 6,600 soldiers, numerous military vehicles, and over 50 aircraft.
• Events have sparked controversy over costs and the political undertones of using military displays.

The U.S. Army is set to celebrate its 250th anniversary with a large-scale military parade in Washington, D.C., coinciding with President Trump’s 79th birthday on June 14, 2025. This event, featuring around 6,600 soldiers, 150 military vehicles, and more than 50 aircraft, will commence at 6:30 p.m. ET. The parade route stretches along Constitution Avenue, passing historic landmarks, concluding at 15th Street NW, near the National Museum of African American History and Culture, according to Al Jazeera, Newsweek, CBS News, and Los Angeles Times.

The parade is an elaborate showcase planned partly to boost military recruitment and pay tribute to the Army's long history from the Revolutionary War through contemporary conflicts. Trump, who has expressed interest in such military displays since attending a Bastille Day celebration in France in 2017, sees this event as an opportunity to foster a sense of national pride and unity. “We want to show off a little bit,” he stated, as preparations unfolded throughout Washington, D.C., according to India Times and NPR.

The parade has faced criticism over projected costs estimated between $25 million and $45 million, with concerns voiced by politicians about the appropriateness of such a display in a country historically cautious about military parades. Critics argue this spectacle parallels those seen in authoritarian regimes. Republican Senator Rand Paul expressed that “we were always different than the images you saw of the Soviet Union and North Korea,” highlighting the potential for a negative impression of military force, according to CBS News, Los Angeles Times, and NPR.

Amid the celebrations, protests are anticipated in various cities under the umbrella of the "No Kings" campaign, aimed at opposing what demonstrators label as Trump's authoritarian maneuvers. Although no formal demonstrations are planned in D.C., other cities across the nation are geared up for significant protests, emphasizing community unity in opposition to perceived strongman politics, according to CBS News and Los Angeles Times.

Attendees can expect an array of activities leading up to the parade, including commemorative events starting from 11 a.m. ET on the National Mall, featuring military demonstrations, interactive sessions, and musical performances. Following the parade, a celebratory fireworks display is scheduled, making it a significant day of festivities not just for Trump but for the Army and its history as well, according to Al Jazeera and NPR.