Fact check: Have other US presidents held military parades and what did they cost?

1. Summary of the results

Military parades have indeed been a longstanding tradition in American history, dating back to George Washington ^[1]. The most recent major military parade was organized by President Trump, costing between $25-45 million and featuring tanks, troops, and military bands ^{[2] [3]}. Notable historical examples include World War II victory parades, inaugural parades under Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy, and the 1991 Persian Gulf War victory parade ^[4].

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual elements are worth noting:

• While military parades aren't unprecedented, Trump's parade was notably larger and more elaborate than previous events ^[3]
• These parades have served different purposes throughout history:
• Boosting national morale
• Celebrating military victories
• Projecting national strength ^[1]
• The 1991 Gulf War parade is a significant reference point, as it was one of the last major military parades before Trump's ^[5]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The question's simplicity might lead to overlooking several crucial aspects:

• The political context of such parades matters significantly. While historical parades often celebrated specific victories or occasions, Trump's parade was seen as potentially more politically charged ^[5]
• The cost comparison across different eras is missing, making it difficult to properly contextualize the $25-45 million spent on Trump's parade
• Different stakeholders benefit from different narratives:
• Military contractors and equipment manufacturers benefit from elaborate displays
• Political figures can use such events to project strength and authority
• The timing of Trump's parade (coinciding with his birthday and the Army's 250th anniversary) suggests potential political motivations ^[2]