Annie Comes Home: Here’s our response to Trump’s tank parade

Saturday, June 7, 2025

Here’s our response to Trump’s tank parade

Tanks are en route to Washington, DC for Trump's military parade, Pamela — and it's shaping up to be a spectacle fit for a dictator.

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.[1] Even veterans groups warn that the event is likely to be all about Trump rather than the troops who serve our country.[2]

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 push back this chilling power flex: Plastering DC with messages calling out the hypocrisy and danger of Trump's parade, uplifting veterans bravely speaking out, overwhelming Congress to reject spending one cent on this gross display, and supporting a massive grassroots movement to show up in opposition.

If enough of us come together against Trump's reckless ego trip, we can drown out the war celebration, force decision-makers to rethink this wasteful use of taxpayer resources, and create the obstacles to make it even harder for Trump — or anyone — to parade tanks through our streets again. We've got just a few precious more days to make our impact: can you chip in $12 now to help us drown out Trump's birthday tank parade?

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The Associated Press reports the event "has grown extensively in scope and size" since planning started two years ago.[3] What changed? A U.S. President who craves the spotlight — and who would co-opt the Army's 250th anniversary to stage his own birthday parade.

The latest plans include 6,500 uniformed troops, hundreds of military vehicles including tanks, helicopters, and fighter jets, concerts, fireworks, and a VIP experience. The price tag is ticking upwards of $45 MILLION — $16 MILLION in damages to DC streets alone. However, this tally doesn't even include the lost revenue from shutting down operations at nearby Reagan National Airport for several hours.

No matter how you run the math, one thing remains clear: Every dollar that pays for this parade is a dollar that could have been invested in our communities.

It's completely outrageous. As this White House moves forward with the vanity expense, they're simultaneously pushing to slash 80,000 jobs from the Department of Veterans Affairs, which provides health care to millions of servicemembers. 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 rolls 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.

But if enough of us come together, we can ensure that the cameras stay focused on a different kind of power — the power of our grassroots movement willing to defy this authoritarian display and stand up for democracy. Are you with us?

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'. Since then, the fight has only gotten more challenging. Now we need your help to prevent Trump — or anyone — from trying a stunt like this ever again. Please rush a donation now.

Pamela, over the past few weeks, tens of thousands of activists like you have come together to remind the world that there are no kings in the White House. Whether it's signing petitions, making donations, or preparing to join the counter events happening across the country on June 14, you are refusing to give into complacency or despair. Thank you.

It's dedication like this that gives our team the resolve we need to continue on, and it's ultimately how we'll build the future we all want and deserve: One where all people can live and thrive in a more peaceful world.

Thank you for working for peace,
The Win Without War team

P.S. Win Without War is a proud cosponsor of "No Kings Day" a national day of action to reject authoritarianism and show the world what democracy actually looks like: people, united, refusing to be ruled. Our team will be out and we hope to see you there! Find an event near you.

[1] USA Today, “Tanks, cannons and soldiers sleeping in DC offices: Inside Trump birthday military parade”
[2] The Washington Post, “Price tag for Trump’s military festival could reach $45 million”
[3] Associated Press, “Here’s what to expect at the Army’s 250th anniversary parade on Trump’s birthday”