Trump to Host Military Parade in D.C. for Army’s 250th Anniversary: What to Know
President Donald Trump is set to host a large-scale military parade in Washington, D.C., on Saturday to mark the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary.
The event, expected to cost tens of millions of dollars, will showcase thousands of service members, military vehicles, and aircraft. Scheduled for the evening, the parade will also coincide with Trump’s 79th birthday, during which he is expected to give a speech.
When and Where Is the Parade?
The main parade begins at 6:30 p.m. ET on Saturday and is expected to last over an hour. It will be staged along Constitution Avenue NW, between 15th and 23rd Streets, on the north side of the National Mall.
The program will highlight the Army’s evolution across major historical periods—from the Revolutionary War and Civil War to modern and future military forces.
Before the parade, the Army will host a free public festival starting at 11 a.m. on the National Mall. The event will feature live music, a fitness competition, demonstrations, activities for children, and appearances by former NFL players.
Trump is expected to speak during the evening celebration, reflecting on the Army’s “enduring legacy” and “milestones of service.”
The evening will conclude with a concert and fireworks show following the parade.
Who’s Behind the Parade?
The parade is being coordinated by America250, a bipartisan commission created by Congress through the United States Semiquincentennial Commission Act of 2016. The group is responsible for organizing events leading up to the nation’s 250th birthday in 2026.
Its membership includes Cabinet officials and lawmakers such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Education Secretary Linda McMahon, among others.
In January, Trump signed an executive order expanding the task force working with America250, appointing himself chair and Vice President JD Vance as vice chair.
What Will Be Featured in the Parade?
According to defense officials, the parade will include:
- 6,600 marching soldiers
- 150 military vehicles
- 50 aircraft
- Dozens of horses and two mules
Segments of the parade will feature troops dressed in historical uniforms and equipped with period weaponry. Military flyovers and an air show are planned, with participation from the Army’s Golden Knights parachute team and a range of helicopters and historic aircraft.
Much of the equipment began arriving in the Washington area earlier this week, with some offloaded from rail cars in Jessup, Maryland.
How Can the Public Watch?
Spectators can view the parade from various locations along the National Mall. Large video screens will be set up near the Washington Monument for additional viewing.
Trump and a group of invited dignitaries will watch from a specially constructed platform on Constitution Avenue between 15th and 17th Streets.
Major news outlets such as ABC, CBS, and NBC will broadcast the event on their streaming platforms. NBC News Now will begin coverage Saturday evening.
How Much Will It Cost?
Estimates suggest the parade could cost up to $45 million, with roughly $16 million allocated for potential road repairs due to damage from military vehicles.
Trump defended the spending in a recent interview, saying the investment was justified to showcase the nation’s military strength.
“We have the greatest missiles, submarines, tanks, and weapons in the world,” he said. “And we’re going to celebrate it.”
Trump also downplayed any personal tie to the date, noting, “My birthday happens to be on Flag Day. I view it for Flag Day, not necessarily my birthday.”
Will There Be Protests?
Protests are expected across all 50 states in response to the event, with more than 1,500 demonstrations reportedly planned by progressive and pro-democracy groups.
The main protest—organized under the slogan “No Kings”—will take place in Philadelphia, not Washington. However, in the capital, groups including Refuse Fascism and the Free D.C. Project will host events throughout the day, with some positioned as alternatives rather than direct opposition.
Tensions are heightened after recent protests in Los Angeles prompted a military deployment, drawing criticism and legal challenges. On Tuesday, Trump warned potential demonstrators against interference, stating that “they will be met with very big force.”
Asked whether Trump supports peaceful protests, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded, “Of course the president supports peaceful protests. What a stupid question.”
What About Traffic and Travel?
Washington residents and visitors can expect significant road closures around the National Mall. Emergency no-parking zones will be enforced on dozens of streets throughout the weekend.
While Metro services will remain operational, the northwest entrance to the Smithsonian station will be closed on Saturday.
Due to scheduled flyovers, Reagan National Airport in Virginia will temporarily suspend all takeoffs and landings during the event, potentially disrupting over 100 flights.
