Fact Check: Saturday’s parade could cost up to $45 million.

Fact Check: "Saturday’s parade could cost up to $45 million."

What We Know

The upcoming military parade in Washington D.C. is expected to be a significant event, marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and coinciding with President Trump's 79th birthday. According to various sources, the estimated cost for the parade and associated festivities ranges from $25 million to $45 million. This estimate has been confirmed by an Army spokesperson, who noted that part of the budget will be allocated for repairing streets in D.C. that are not designed to handle the weight of heavy military vehicles (BBC, NPR, USA Today).

Analysis

The claim that the parade could cost up to $45 million is supported by multiple reputable sources, including the Army itself. The Army spokesperson, Heather J. Hagan, has reiterated this cost estimate, indicating that it includes not only the parade itself but also significant expenses related to infrastructure repairs due to the heavy military equipment involved (NPR, CBS News).

Critically, the range of $25 million to $45 million is not just a vague estimate but is based on detailed planning and assessments by the Army. This includes considerations for the potential damage to roads, which has been estimated at around $16 million alone (NBC News).

While some critics have labeled the parade a "vanity project" and questioned the use of taxpayer funds for such a display, the financial estimates provided by the Army appear to be grounded in logistical realities rather than political motivations. The sources reporting on the parade's cost are credible and include established news organizations, which enhances the reliability of the information presented.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "Saturday’s parade could cost up to $45 million" is accurate based on multiple credible sources, including statements from the Army. The cost estimates reflect a range that accounts for various logistical needs and potential infrastructure repairs, making the claim substantiated and reliable.

Sources

1. What to expect at Trump's military parade and 'No Kings' protests
2. By the numbers: This weekend's big military parade in D.C.
3. How much will Trump's military parade cost? Here's what we know
4. Army parade on Flag Day, Trump's birthday could cost up to $45 million
5. Trump's military parade tomorrow isn't the first in the U.S.
6. Trump's long-awaited military parade comes with a multimillion-dollar price tag
7. Army estimates that Trump's military parade could cost $16 million in damage to streets
8. How much will the DC military parade cost? Here's a tally