Tanks enter Washington: US Army prepares for parade

Armored vehicles have arrived in Washington to participate in the parade dedicated to the 250th anniversary of the United States Army, which coincides with Donald Trump’s 79th birthday.

Relevant photos and videos are being shared on social media. In particular, X user Andrew Leyden posted a video of an M1 Abrams tank.

It is known that about two dozen Abrams tanks, M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles and M109 Paladin self-propelled artillery systems will be involved in the parade on June 14.

Two U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the total cost of the event could reach $45 million.

VIDEO: Tanks on the streets of Washington DC last night as the Army 250th Parade nears. pic.twitter.com/7YQUVkdBZc

— Andrew Leyden (@PenguinSix) June 10, 2025

The latest estimates do not take into account the costs to be incurred by the city of Washington.

In particular, it is predicted that a lot of money from the city budget will be spent on cleaning up debris and repairing roads damaged by armored vehicles.

In addition, more than 6,500 military personnel, about 150 vehicles and 50 aircraft are scheduled to arrive in the US capital.

Critics have called the parade an authoritarian show of force, which is wasteful, especially amid spending cuts by the Donald Trump administration across the federal government.

The parade stands in particular contrast to the protests in California, which Trump has called for regular troops to suppress.

According to him, the troops should be immediately deployed to Los Angeles, as he believes the situation in the city is uncontrollable.

At present, demonstrations have spread to areas near Los Angeles City Hall, Paramount, Compton and the Metropolitan Detention Center, where clashes with police are taking place.

Law enforcement officers are using rubber bullets and tear gas to suppress the riots.