Veterans Fume as Trump Prioritizes Parade Over Military Support

On June 14, President Donald Trump plans to mark his birthday with an extravagant military parade in Washington, D.C., projected to cost approximately $45 million. This expenditure is expected to rise as the U.S. Army is responsible for repairing any damage inflicted on city streets during the event. While Trump positions this parade as a tribute to the Army’s 250th anniversary, critics argue that true recognition of the service owed to 15.8 million veterans and active-duty military should lead to prioritizing their essential needs. The funds allocated for this parade could provide vital support for thousands of homeless veterans or safeguard jobs within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Many veterans now confront challenges due to pernicious cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, which jeopardize their access to food and health care. Such actions are seen as detrimental not just to individual veterans but to the fabric of support systems that sustain military families.