1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am writing as your constituent to express my strong opposition to the proposed military parade scheduled for June 14, 2025—President Trump's birthday. While ostensibly celebrating the Army's 250th anniversary, this display represents a dangerous departure from American democratic traditions and reckless waste of taxpayer dollars. Spending an estimated $25-45 million on this parade—while the administration has slashed federal programs and eliminated thousands of jobs—is unconscionable. These figures exclude additional millions D.C. will bear for security, cleanup, and road repairs from tanks and armored vehicles. Participating units must spend over $1 million each, potentially impacting training funds. As one defense official noted, "Could the parade potentially impact training?" Military parades are hallmarks of authoritarian regimes, not democratic republics. This spectacle featuring 6,600 soldiers, 150 vehicles, 50 helicopters, and tanks bears disturbing resemblance to dictatorial propaganda displays. The U.S. has historically reserved such displays for celebrating specific military victories, not personal dates. The timing makes clear this parade's true purpose: aggrandizing the President on his birthday rather than honoring service members. As Senator Jack Reed stated, "This is Trump. This is all about his ego and making everything 'him,' which is a discredit to the military." American military strength comes from civilian control over the military and dedication to defending the Constitution, not any individual leader. This parade transforms our military into props for political theater. I urge you to support Representative Cohen's "HAPPY BIRTHDAY Budget Act" prohibiting public funds for displays of military force for personal glorification, publicly oppose this wasteful expenditure, and demand its cancellation.