President Donald Trump is set to host a military parade in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, marking the Army’s 250th anniversary and coinciding with his 79th birthday. The event, which has sparked significant public debate, includes a celebration of military strength and a display of advanced weaponry. A new AP-NORC survey reveals a clear split in public opinion, with slightly more support than opposition to the parade, despite concerns over its cost.
The parade, which will feature 6,600 soldiers, 50 military aircraft, and 150 vehicles including tanks and missiles, is expected to cost between $25 and $45 million. This figure includes funds allocated to repair D.C. streets damaged by tank movements. Trump has defended the cost, stating it is ‘peanuts compared to the value of doing it,’ as he plans to highlight the U.S. military’s strength during the event.
However, the poll shows that 60% of Americans believe the parade is not a good use of government funds. This sentiment is shared across both political spectrums, with nearly two-thirds of Republicans supporting the parade’s cost, while eight in ten Democrats disagree. Critics, including Democratic lawmakers and military veterans, argue that the money could be better directed toward supporting military families and social services. Senator Tammy Duckworth, a military veteran and Democrat, has criticized the event, calling it a ‘birthday parade’ for Trump rather than a genuine celebration of military service.
Trump’s decision has also drawn attention due to planned protests across the country, with pro-democracy and progressive activists organizing demonstrations in all 50 states. These events, part of the ‘No Kings’ initiative, aim to oppose the parade, with the main gathering set in Philadelphia rather than D.C. The White House has emphasized that the parade is a unifying celebration of military service, but public sentiment remains divided over its purpose and cost.
Additionally, the poll indicates that Trump’s approval rating remains low, with 39% of those surveyed approving of his performance in the White House. This underscores the broader political divide and the controversy surrounding the parade, which continues to spark debate across the nation.