Fact Check: The military parade is estimated to cost around $45 million.

Fact Check: "The military parade is estimated to cost around $45 million."

What We Know

The military parade planned in Washington, D.C., is set to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and coincides with President Trump's birthday. According to multiple sources, including an Army spokesperson, the estimated cost of the parade and associated festivities ranges from $25 million to $45 million (BBC, NPR). This cost includes expenses for the parade itself as well as potential repairs to streets that may be damaged by heavy military vehicles (NPR, USA Today).

The parade is expected to feature over 7,000 soldiers, various military vehicles, and aerial flyovers, making it one of the largest military displays in recent history (BBC, NPR).

Analysis

The claim that the military parade is estimated to cost around $45 million is supported by credible sources. Both the BBC and NPR report the cost as being between $25 million and $45 million, with the upper limit of $45 million being explicitly mentioned. This range is confirmed by an Army spokesperson, which adds a layer of reliability to the information.

However, it is important to note that while the upper estimate of $45 million has been cited, some sources, such as the Washington Post, have mentioned that this figure is "just slightly less" than the annual budget of certain government programs, indicating that the cost is significant and has drawn criticism from various lawmakers. Critics argue that such expenditures could be better allocated to other pressing needs (Washington Post).

The sources providing this information are reputable news organizations, which typically adhere to journalistic standards. However, the framing of the cost in some articles may reflect a bias against the parade, as critics are often quoted alongside the cost estimates. This suggests that while the figures are accurate, the context in which they are presented may vary based on the publication's stance.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that the military parade is estimated to cost around $45 million is accurate, with credible sources confirming that the cost will range from $25 million to $45 million. The estimates are provided by an Army spokesperson, which lends credibility to the figures. The upper limit of $45 million is a valid figure within the stated range, affirming the claim's truthfulness.

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. 8 better ways to spend $45 million than Trump's military parade
4. What is NATO?
5. How much will Trump's military parade cost? Here's what we know
6. US’ 500 military personnel in Taiwan an ‘open test’ of Beijing
7. How much will the DC military parade cost? Here's a tally
8. Summary of NATO's revised Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy