Fact Check: The Army alone has said it is spending up to $45 million on the parade.

Fact Check: "The Army alone has said it is spending up to $45 million on the parade."

What We Know

The claim that the Army is spending up to $45 million on a parade is supported by multiple sources. According to an article from the Associated Press, Army leaders confirmed that the parade, which is part of the Army's 250th birthday celebration, could cost as much as $45 million. This spending is being defended by Army officials as a means to boost recruitment efforts (AP News). Similarly, the BBC reported that the Army has stated the event could cost between $25 million and $45 million, including expenses for repairing streets in Washington, D.C., which are not designed to accommodate heavy military vehicles (BBC News). Other sources, such as CBS News, corroborate this estimate, noting that officials have indicated the total cost could reach up to $45 million (CBS News).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is robust, with multiple credible news organizations reporting similar figures regarding the parade's cost. The Associated Press, BBC, and CBS News are reputable sources known for their journalistic integrity. The Army's justification for the expenditure—linking it to recruitment efforts—was articulated by Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll, who emphasized the potential for the parade to inspire a new generation to serve (AP News).

However, some criticisms have emerged regarding the appropriateness of spending such a significant amount on a parade, especially when other military priorities, such as housing for troops, are underfunded. For instance, members of Congress have expressed concerns that the funds could be better allocated to improve living conditions for service members (AP News).

While some sources suggest that the cost may be closer to $25 million, the upper estimate of $45 million remains consistent across several reports (CBS News, NBC News). The range of estimates reflects the complexity of budgeting for such events, but the claim that the Army has stated it could spend up to $45 million is accurate.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that the Army alone has stated it is spending up to $45 million on the parade is accurate. Multiple credible sources confirm this figure, and the Army has publicly defended the expenditure as a means to enhance recruitment efforts. While there are valid concerns regarding the allocation of military funds, the reported cost of the parade stands substantiated by various reputable news outlets.

Sources

1. Army leaders defend parade and border spending as Congress presses for answers
2. What to expect at Trump's military parade and 'No Kings' protests
3. Army parade on Flag Day, Trump's birthday could cost up to $45 million
4. Army estimates that Trump's military parade could cost $16 million damage streets DC
5. Democrats slam military parade as Trump's multimillion-dollar birthday