Fact Check: The Army reported spending between $25 million and $45 million on the military parade held on June 14, 2023.

Fact Check: "The Army reported spending between $25 million and $45 million on the military parade held on June 14, 2023."

What We Know

The claim regarding the Army's spending for the military parade on June 14, 2023, is supported by multiple sources. According to an Army spokesperson, the estimated cost for the parade and associated festivities is expected to be between $25 million and $45 million (NPR, AP News). This cost includes various expenses, such as the repair of streets damaged by heavy military vehicles, which are known to cause significant wear and tear on urban infrastructure (ABC News).

The parade was part of a larger celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, coinciding with President Trump's birthday, which has drawn both support and criticism from various political factions (USA Today). The Army has been preparing for this event for over a year, indicating a significant commitment of resources (NBC4 Washington).

Analysis

The claim is corroborated by several reputable news outlets, including NPR, AP News, and ABC News, all of which report the same cost range of $25 million to $45 million. This consistency across multiple sources lends credibility to the claim.

The sources cited are generally reliable, with NPR and AP News being well-respected in the field of journalism. They have a history of fact-checking and providing accurate information. The Army spokesperson's statements are direct and provide a clear basis for the cost estimate, which is further supported by logistical considerations such as road repairs and the scale of the event (NBC4 Washington, USA Today).

However, it is important to note that the cost estimates can vary based on unforeseen factors, such as the extent of damage caused to the roads by the military vehicles (Los Angeles Times). This variability is acknowledged in the reports, indicating that the upper limit of the estimate may not be reached if damage is minimal.

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The claim that "The Army reported spending between $25 million and $45 million on the military parade held on June 14, 2023" is accurate. The information is supported by multiple credible sources, and the cost range provided by the Army spokesperson is consistent across these reports. The potential for variability in costs does not undermine the validity of the claim, as it reflects the Army's official estimates.

Sources

1. By the numbers: This weekend's big military parade in D.C.
2. What to expect at the Army parade on Trump's birthday | AP News
3. Army expects to spend up to $45M for its 250th birthday celebration in D.C.
4. How much will Trump's military parade cost? Here's what we know
5. Parade details for the Army's 250th birthday in DC - NBC4 Washington
6. How much will the DC military parade cost? Here's a tally
7. By the numbers: A look at the Army's 250th anniversary parade on Trump
8. Trump military parade marks Army's 250th anniversary