A new NBC Decision Desk Poll, conducted in partnership with SurveyMonkey, shows that a majority of Americans 64 percent disapprove of using state funds for this weekend’s military parade in Washington, D.C. The event, set to begin at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, will feature 150 military vehicles, 50 aircraft, and 6,600 troops in a large-scale procession commemorating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary, which coincides with President Trump’s 79th birthday. Weather permitting, the celebration may also include an air show.
The estimated cost of the event ranges from $25 million to $45 million in taxpayer dollars, according to the Army. That figure includes the potential cost of damage to public infrastructure, such as streets that may be affected by the passage of tanks and other heavy equipment.
Opposition to the funding crosses party lines, though it’s strongest among Democrats and Independents. The poll found that 88 percent of Democrats and 72 percent of Independents are against using government funds for the parade. In contrast, 68 percent of Republicans support the funding, with stronger backing 75 percent approval coming from those aligned with the MAGA faction of the party. Support among more moderate Republicans stood at 56 percent.
Respondents were asked: “As you may know, President Trump has ordered a military parade in Washington D.C. on June 14th to commemorate the U.S. Army’s 250th Birthday. Defense officials estimate the cost for this parade could be as much as 45 million dollars. Do you support or oppose the use of government funds for the parade?” They could respond with varying degrees of support or opposition.
Fourteen percent of adults said they strongly support the use of federal funds, while 44 percent said they strongly oppose it. Another 22 percent indicated they somewhat support it, compared to 20 percent who said they somewhat oppose.
The survey was conducted from May 30 to June 10 and included 19,410 adults across the country, with a margin of error of ±2.1 percent.
A separate poll by the Associated Press–NORC Center for Public Affairs Research also found that 60 percent of Americans believe the parade is “not a good use of government funds.”
Democratic lawmakers have been vocal in their criticism. Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois said on X, “If it was really about celebrating military families, we could put $30 million toward helping them offset the cost of their child care, food assistance, and tuition.” Sen. Bernie Sanders also weighed in, writing, “We all like to enjoy a nice birthday party. But most of us don’t celebrate with a $45 million taxpayer-funded military parade.”
The display of military force comes just days after Trump deployed 4,000 National Guardsmen and 700 Marines to Los Angeles to suppress protests sparked by federal immigration raids, further fueling debate about the administration’s use of military resources.