Inside Trump's 'North Korea-style' birthday parade inclduing to 7,000 soldiers and 370 vehicles
The parade will showcase vehicles, machinery, and uniforms from every war. According to reports from various outlets, including CNN, the event is expected to cost tens of millions of dollars.
The scope and size of President Donald Trump's planned military parade next month is becoming clearer as reports suggest the president wants a significant troop presence at the event, expected to take place on his birthday.
According to documents reviewed by CNN, the parade will include 7,000 soldiers, 370 vehicles, and 70 aircraft. It will take place in Washington, DC, on the Army's 250th birthday, which is also Trump's 79th birthday.
Trump is reportedly expected to watch the event from a review stand at the edge of the White House ellipse. As part of the pomp and circumstance Trump is eager to display, he is always expected to deliver remarks to the crowd and participate in an enlistment event.
According to the document, the 7,000 soldiers will march along the parade route accompanied by 370 military vehicles, including both modern and historical machinery. The Army's Golden Knights will also reportedly parachute over the Ellipse, and nearly 70 aircraft will conduct flyovers during various parts of the event.
The parade will showcase vehicles, machinery, and uniforms from every war. According to reports from various outlets, including CNN, the event is expected to cost tens of millions of dollars.
High costs halted Trump's push for a parade in his first term, and the tanks and other heavy vehicles that are part of the Army's latest plans have raised concerns from city officials about damage to roads.
Asked about plans for a parade, Army spokesman Steve Warren told The Associated Press in March that no final decisions have been made.
Col. Dave Butler, another Army spokesman, added that the Army is excited about the plans for its anniversary.
"We want to make it into an event that the entire nation can celebrate with us," said Butler. "We want Americans to know their Army and their soldiers. A parade might become part of that, and we think that will be an excellent addition to what we already have planned."
Others familiar with the documents, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the plans have not been finalized, said they represent the Army's plans as it prepares for any White House approval of the parade. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Much of the equipment would have to be brought in by train or flown in.
Some equipment and troops were already going to be included in the Army's birthday celebration, which has been in the works for more than a year. The festival was set to involve an array of activities and displays on the National Mall, including a fitness competition, climbing wall, armored vehicles, Humvees, helicopters and other equipment.