Poll: Majority Say Trump’s $45M Army Parade isn’t Worth the Money/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A new AP-NORC poll shows most U.S. adults say Trump’s military parade is not a good use of taxpayer money. Though more people approve than disapprove of the parade overall, nearly 60% question the spending. The $25–$45 million event, set for Trump’s birthday and the Army’s 250th anniversary, includes tanks, concerts, and fireworks.
Public Divided on Trump’s Costly Military Parade – Quick Looks
- Parade Timing: Set for Saturday, June 15, Trump’s birthday and the Army’s 250th anniversary.
- Estimated Cost: Between $25 million and $45 million, funded by taxpayers.
- Poll Results: 60% of Americans say it’s not a good use of public money.
- Public Approval: 40% approve of the parade, 30% disapprove, 30% are neutral.
- Political Split: Two-thirds of Republicans support the event; most Democrats and independents oppose or question it.
- Event Details: Includes tanks, aircraft, concerts, NFL players, fitness events, and fireworks.
- Controversy: Critics compare it to military displays in authoritarian regimes.
- Supporters’ View: See it as a morale booster and tribute to service members.
- Funding Concerns: Critics question spending more on military displays amid already massive defense budgets.
- Polling Timeline: Conducted June 5–9, just ahead of the event.
Most Americans Question Trump’s $45M Military Parade – Deep Look
WASHINGTON (AP) — As President Donald Trump prepares to headline a massive military parade in Washington to honor the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary—and coincidentally celebrate his birthday—a new AP-NORC poll finds that a majority of Americans question the necessity and cost of the extravagant event.
The survey, released Wednesday, reveals that while slightly more people approve than disapprove of the parade overall, nearly 6 in 10 Americans believe the event is “not a good use” of government money.
Parade Overview: Patriotism Meets Politics
The military extravaganza, projected to draw up to 200,000 attendees, will feature a wide array of displays:
- Military tanks and armored vehicles rolling down the National Mall
- Flyovers from combat aircraft
- Live performances by musicians and NFL players
- Interactive exhibits and fitness competitions
- Fireworks to close out the evening
The U.S. Army originally envisioned a modest celebration, but Trump expanded the plan dramatically, turning it into a full-scale national event. The festivities fall on June 15, which also happens to be Trump’s 79th birthday.
Public Opinion vs. Public Spending
According to the AP-NORC poll:
- 40% of Americans approve of the parade
- 30% disapprove
- 30% are neutral
Yet a significantly higher share—around 60%—say it is not a justifiable use of taxpayer funds, including the vast majority of those who are neutral on the event itself.
Support for the parade breaks down along political lines:
- Republicans: About two-thirds approve and view it as a patriotic celebration.
- Democrats: Overwhelmingly view it as wasteful and unnecessary.
- Independents: Tend to fall in between, with many unsure or unengaged.
Matt Wheeler, a lifelong Democrat from Los Angeles, called the parade “extremely wasteful” and reminiscent of “old Soviet-style displays.”
Supporters See a Morale Boost
Carol Sue Quillen, a Florida retiree and Trump supporter, said the parade is a much-needed show of respect for service members, including her late father and her son-in-law.
“All branches should be celebrated for what they do,” she said. “That just boosts morale.”
Andrew Thomsen of Oklahoma echoed a similar sentiment, saying he supports honoring the military but questions the parade’s overt show of force.
“If it’s just about showing off tanks and missiles, I don’t support that,” Thomsen said.
Budget Concerns and Defense Spending
The parade’s estimated $25 million to $45 million price tag has drawn criticism from fiscal conservatives and anti-war activists alike.
Sam Walters of Fort Worth, Texas, a former conservative now leaning libertarian, said the military already receives “hundreds of billions of dollars,” and questioned the justification for additional parade-related spending.
“When they’re getting more than anything else, it seems hard to justify this,” Walters said.
According to the same poll:
- 30% of Americans think the U.S. government spends too much on the military.
- 30% say it spends too little.
- 40% say the amount is about right.
These figures have held relatively steady throughout 2025.
Trump’s Approval Holding Steady
The poll also showed that 40% of Americans approve of Trump’s job performance, mirroring approval levels from last month’s survey.
On specific issues:
- 46% approve of how Trump is handling immigration.
- 38% approve of his handling of the economy and global trade.
Trump has used the parade as a rallying point in his broader narrative about American strength and pride, while critics argue it’s a political performance meant to distract from domestic concerns.
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