ACTION ALERT: A Massive Tank Parade
Straight Out of the Authoritarian Playbook
Win Without War
(May 26, 2025) — Planning for Trump’s tank parade through Washington, DC is happening in full force — and it’s shaping up to be a spectacle fit for a dictator.
Our nation’s capital is more than a prop in Trump’s relentless march toward authoritarianism. That’s why Win Without War is in a massive sprint to stop this chilling power flex: Overwhelming Congress to reject calls to fund it, pushing DC local government to tie it down in bureaucratic red tape, uplifting veterans bravely speaking out, and mobilizing a massive grassroots movement ready to push back.
If enough of us come together against this reckless ego parade, we can force decision-makers to rethink this wasteful use of resources, drown out Trump’s war celebration, and throw down obstacles to make it even harder for him to try again. Organizing at this scale takes resources: can you help us drown out Trump’s birthday tank parade?
6,500 uniformed troops. Concerts and fireworks. Hundreds of military vehicles including tanks, helicopters, and fighter jets. Dedicated VIP experiences. The Associated Press reports the event to celebrate the Army’s 250th anniversary “has grown extensively in scope and size” since planning started two years ago. [1] What changed? A US President who craves the spotlight — and who would co-opt the Army’s June 14 anniversary to stage his own war parade birthday party.
While the White House claims the parade is a “fitting tribute to the service, sacrifice, and selflessness of the brave men and women who have worn the uniform”, the Pentagon has told participating soldiers to bring their sleeping bags and plan to bunk in a former government warehouse. [2] Even veterans groups warn that the event is likely to be all about Trump rather than the troops who serve our country.[3]
Let’s be clear: Every dollar that pays for this parade is a dollar that could have been invested in our communities.
It’s completely outrageous. Officials say the cost of Trump’s parade is quickly skyrocketing to $45 MILLION taxpayer dollars. Meanwhile, the administration plans to slash 80,000 jobs from the Department of Veterans Affairs, which provides health care to millions of veterans. That’s happening as thousands of families are reeling in the face of Elon Musk’s mass-firings and layoffs, which have disproportionately harmed veterans and military families. Given all this, and so much more, it’s understandable why many are skeptical of Trump’s purported attempt to honor service.
As Trump attempts to roll tanks, troops, and bombers down our streets, his goal will be to flex his power for the cameras, celebrate himself, and project his perceived dominance to the world through military might and weapons of war.
Trump tried to stage this military spectacle in 2018 — and our people-powered movement helped stop it before it even got started. It only worked because supporters like you joined us to say ‘NO’. And now we need your help again. We have just 3 weeks left to make this massive push and your support is critical to our organizing efforts
Today, Memorial Day, holds a special place for those of us in the anti-war movement. It’s a time for us to reflect on the human costs of war, and to remind ourselves why our work is so urgent.
Thank you for working for peace,
The Win Without War team
Sources
[1] Associated Press, “Here’s what to expect at the Army’s 250th anniversary parade on Trump’s birthday”
[2] USA Today, “Tanks, cannons and soldiers sleeping in DC offices: Inside Trump birthday military parade”
[3] The Washington Post, “Price tag for Trump’s military festival could reach $45 million”
