A large-scale parade is scheduled for June 14 in Washington D.C., officially celebrating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary. The event also coincides with President Trump’s 79th birthday.
Beyond honoring the Army’s history, the parade is designed to present a strong image of the president, who claims to have revitalized American power. Coming shortly after the federalization of National Guard troops and the preparation for Marines to deploy to Los Angeles, the parade aims to showcase strength. It is also intended to realize Trump’s ambition of having tanks displayed on the capital’s main streets. The projected cost ranges from $25 to $45 million and could potentially increase significantly if the tanks damage D.C. roads.
However, genuine strength is reflected by the security of the United States, the strength of its alliances, and the constraints placed on its adversaries. The reality presents a less optimistic picture.
China’s military growth is accelerating, and its navy is now the largest globally. Its presence in cyberspace, space, and essential infrastructure is also expanding. U.S. rhetoric has not deterred Beijing but may have strengthened its determination. The Commission on the National Defense Strategy, which I led, found unanimously that America’s defense industry is too slow and fragile to meet global demands. It struggles to keep up with China’s rapid military development and would have difficulty supporting a prolonged conflict, especially in multiple regions. Secretary of Defense Hegseth recently gave a strong speech in Singapore regarding the Indo-Pacific region. However, his domestic focus has been on culture wars, eliminating diversity programs, and overseeing federal troop deployments in U.S. cities. The Trump Administration aims to refocus the Pentagon on lethality, but these efforts are becoming distractions. Simultaneously, trade policies are alienating allies needed to counter China.
Regarding Ukraine, President Trump once pledged to end the war quickly, a promise that now seems unachievable. Despite efforts towards a cease-fire, Russia has intensified its aerial and ground attacks, launching numerous drones and missiles recently. Ukraine has also launched its own strikes within Russia, targeting military airfields. Recent peace talks have yielded little beyond a prisoner exchange, and the administration is reducing its involvement in the conflict. A bipartisan Senate bill for secondary sanctions on Russia’s supporters is stalled, despite having significant support. Vladimir Putin is closely observing these developments.
In Gaza, cease-fire negotiations are stalled, hostages remain captive, and the humanitarian situation is dire. Hamas is demanding a permanent truce, while Israel insists on a temporary pause, and negotiators have not been able to reconcile these positions. Trump’s broader regional vision, centered on Saudi-Israel normalization, is currently paused, as Riyadh requires progress on the Palestinian issue before proceeding. Furthermore, Trump’s relationship with Benjamin Netanyahu, once crucial to his regional strategy, has deteriorated.
Turning to Iran, the Trump Administration withdrew from the nuclear deal negotiated by Barack Obama nearly a decade ago, promising a stronger replacement. However, that alternative did not materialize. The current administration is proposing a new agreement that would allow Iran to continue low-level uranium enrichment in the short term while broader negotiations proceed. Iran, however, insists on maintaining its right to enrich uranium. The International Atomic Energy Agency recently censured Iran for failing to disclose nuclear activities, the first such resolution in two decades. Tehran has condemned the move and plans to expand enrichment. Trump has expressed diminished confidence in reaching a deal. Meanwhile, Iran’s stockpile of near-weapons-grade uranium is increasing, Israeli officials are considering military options, and the United States is evacuating diplomats and military families from Iraq due to rising tensions. The benefits of the current approach are unclear.
Despite the rhetoric from Washington, the United States appears weakened, alienating allies, withdrawing from international commitments, and projecting uncertainty. Trump’s attempts to portray otherwise seem insincere.
This leads back to the parade.
The Army’s 250 years of service deserve deep respect, as its soldiers have defended both our territory and our democratic values. If the administration truly wishes to project American strength, it should prioritize outcomes over appearances. From Eastern Europe to the South China Sea, adversaries are becoming more assertive, alliances are strained, and the U.S. is retreating from its commitment to freedom and liberty.
Therefore, staging a parade at a time when American power feels diminished and uncertain may be perceived differently than intended. The world may view it as a mere performance, and the president may not appreciate the resulting reviews.
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