Trump's Mega Birthday Military Parade: A Controversial Celebration on My Special Day in Malaysia

Occasionally, history crafts instances so bizarre they seem implausible. In the United States, June 14 stands out as one such instance. This date marks the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday celebration, an occasion significant enough to remember.

From the moment it was officially founded on that day in 1775, more than a year prior to the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. military has been crucial in fostering the expansion and progress of the American nation.

On June 14th, which coincidentally is also President Donald Trump's 79th birthday, the White House promptly seized this as a chance to fulfill his longstanding wish of hosting a military parade through the streets of Washington D.C.

During his first term, Trump got hooked on parades after he was invited by French President Emmanuel Macron to be the honored guest at the grand display of France’s Bastille Day celebration.

A man with green eyes envisioned something more ambitious for Pennsylvania Avenue during his time as president.

Even though parades have historically honored American military accomplishments, the magnificence of ticker tape parades in Trump’s hometown of New York became outdated in the 1960s when television and computers started being used to relay financial data instead.

Up until recently, the Army’s celebration for their 250th anniversary event did not feature a parade as part of the plan.

The festival had been in the planning for more than a year, featuring displays of military equipment, musical performances and a fitness competition on the National Mall.

Later, about two months back, Trump intervened. Now, a procession seems imminent.

Officially, it's not about the president. The historic celebration of the Army's 250th birthday "will honour generations of selfless Americans who have risked everything for our freedom," the White House said.

According to reports, Trump may not have always valued their sacrifice, with previous statements citing him calling U.S. soldiers at a cemetery near Paris "losers" and "suckers."

Neither was Trump apparently eager to enlist in the military, managing to dodge the draft for the Vietnam War multiple occasions.

However, times have changed. Now, the military parade needs to be grandiose.

Based on official planning papers, the dual celebration encompasses nearly 7,000 troops, over 120 armaments, 25 Abrams tanks, and 50 choppers.

Furthermore, an Army spokesperson stated that there would be a dazzling fireworks show along with a day-long celebration on the National Mall.

The planning is still in progress and may undergo changes.

However, not everybody is content with the direction things are heading.

Generally speaking, the US has an easier time embracing patriotism compared to Europe," said Ian Lesser, Vice President of the German Marshall Fund of the United States and Executive Director of the organization’s Brussels office. He added, "This issue shouldn’t be centered around Trump; instead, it should focus on the role of the US Army.

Lesser also highlighted the potential for tanks to damage the roads. "The infrastructure in Washington is not built to accommodate such heavy military vehicles."

This is also a concern for Washington D.C.'s Mayor, Muriel Bowser.

She stated in April that if military tanks were deployed, they would need to be supported with substantial funds, likely running into several million dollars, for road repairs.

Trump's first-term plan was ultimately dumped due to the huge estimated costs, as high as $92 million.

This time around, the cost estimates are significantly lower but remain in the tens of millions of dollars. This comes as President Trump and his administration under the Department by Government Efficiency (DOGE)—led by Elon Musk—have cut back on various federal agencies, staff members, and programs with the aim of reducing waste, fraud, and misuse of funds.

At the same time, resistance to Trump's proposed military parade is increasing.

So far, at over 100 sites throughout the United States, a collection of organizations, such as Our Revolution—a grassroots-supported group closely linked with progressive Senator Bernie Sanders—are orchestrating a national protest day.

They call it "No Kings Day."

"Donald Trump plans to celebrate his birthday with an opulent, government-paid military procession featuring tanks through Washington, D.C., which seems more appropriate for monarchs and autocrats rather than American presidents," states a fundraising email.

In America, we oppose authoritarian rule and egotistical self-glorification.

Trump's parade plans also became fodder for late night comedy.

On NBC's The Tonight Show, host Jimmy Fallon said, "Trump wants a full military parade for his birthday, so there will be tanks, fighter jets, and our most dangerous weapon, a self-driving Tesla."